TOM HANNAN RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS WITH THE AMIEU

At this years biannual Federal Council in Brisbane Tom Hannan, our National Secretary, announced he would not be seeking to recontest his position at Council 2004.

The Tasmanian Branch will be ever indebted to Tom as he was instrumental in reorganizing the branch and played a key role in mentoring branch officials and delegates.

Tom started working as a slaughter floor labourer at the Riverstone Meatworks in 1953, he was 14 years and 9 months old.  When he was 20 he became a delegate and became involved with the union at various levels during his time at the plant.

In 1968 a major dispute started and involved all the major employers known collectively as the “Dirty Dozen”.  This employer group was seeking one award incorporating the unit tally system as opposed to the head tally system that has always operated in NSW.

In 1973 Tom stood for the position of NSW Organizer and was elected, then in 1981 stood for Assistant Branch Secretary where he also was elected.  Tom took over the reigns of the NSW Branch in 1984 and became Federal President in 1985.  Then in 1992 he became Federal Secretary where he held this position until his retirement in September 2004.

The Tasmanian Branch wishes Tom all the best in his retirement as his quick wit and colourful language will be sincerely missed.