The ETU WA Branch brought delegates from across Western Australia together at Crown Perth on 5 and 6 August for our 2026 Biennial Conference — two days focused on one thing: building a stronger union and giving delegates the tools to fight for better conditions for our members.
This year’s conference was particularly significant as we celebrated 120 years of the Electrical Trades Union in Western Australia — 120 years of electricians, lineworkers, cable joiners, mechanics, fitters and electrical workers standing together, fighting for better wages, safer workplaces, stronger rights and a fair go.
Our history has never been about being given anything. Every improvement workers enjoy today has been fought for, organised for and, when necessary, fought for the hard way. That history remains the foundation of the ETU WA today.
Across two packed days, delegates heard directly from ETU national and interstate leaders, WA organisers and our legal team about the challenges facing electrical workers and the campaigns being fought across the state and the country.
From bargaining tables to worksites, from the Pilbara to the South West, delegates heard about the fights underway to defend our members, grow union coverage and make sure electrical workers are not left behind.
This is what a strong union looks like: organised workers, informed delegates and a willingness to stand up and fight.
Keynote speaker Rabia Siddique delivered a powerful address on courage and resilience. Drawing on her extraordinary experiences of adversity, Rabia challenged delegates to consider what courage looks like when the odds are stacked against you — a message that resonated strongly with the work our delegates undertake every day.
We were also honoured to welcome Deputy President Peter O’Keeffe of the Fair Work Commission, who provided delegates with valuable insight into the Commission and the industrial relations system in which our union operates.
One of the most powerful presentations came from 19-year-old electrical apprentice Noah Minorgan, who shared his frightening experience of nearly losing his life to heat stroke and fatigue last year.
Noah lost consciousness while driving, resulting in a serious vehicle accident after becoming severely affected by heat and fatigue. The confronting images of the crash reinforced a simple but critical message: no job is worth a life.
Workers need to speak up. Delegates need to speak up. Unions need to speak up.
Safety cannot be treated as an afterthought, and employers must understand that workers will not accept dangerous practices simply because production comes first.
We sincerely thank Noah for having the courage to share his story with our delegates.
You can read more about Noah’s experience here: Noah’s story — ETU National
We also welcomed Dr Alexis Vassiley, author and lecturer, who took delegates through the remarkable history of unionism and industrial struggle in the Pilbara. Drawing on his recently published book Striking Ore, Dr Vassiley detailed the workers, disputes and collective action that helped shape industrial relations in the North West.
For the ETU, that history matters.
The conditions workers have today were not handed down by employers. They were built by generations of workers who organised, stood together and refused to accept less.
Each delegate was provided with a copy of Striking Ore to take home and continue learning from the history of workers who came before us.
We also thank Kari Pnacek from UnionsWA, Kate Dempster from JDK Legal Services, and Protect representatives Stephanie Nielsen and Brett Buckingham for sharing their knowledge and providing delegates with practical information they can take directly back into their workplaces.
Delegates also heard from the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA) about the continuing impact of asbestos-related disease and its particular relevance to workers in our industry.
Their presentation was an important reminder that some workplace hazards don’t disappear when the shift ends. The consequences can last a lifetime.
Delegates were encouraged to understand the importance of regular health checks, establishing a baseline and monitoring changes over time, while also learning more about the support ADSA provides to workers and families affected by asbestos-related disease.
Celebrating 120 years — and those who built the union
The first day concluded with our conference dinner, where we formally farewelled long-serving Lead Organiser Ian Gill.
Ian’s decades of service to the ETU and working people represent exactly what our 120-year history is built upon — commitment, solidarity and a willingness to stand up for working people.
As part of the evening, ETU WA proudly presented the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia with a $15,000 donation, with delegates and guests also contributing personally to the cause.
The fight doesn’t stop at conference
The real test is what happens when delegates walk back through the gates of their workplaces.
Delegates left conference with a stronger understanding of their rights, the industrial and legal tools available to them, the history behind the conditions workers enjoy today and stronger connections with fellow delegates across Western Australia.
Because knowledge gives workers confidence.
Organisation gives workers power.
And a union gives workers the ability to stand together and fight.
The ETU WA has been fighting for electrical workers for 120 years.
We will continue to fight for better wages, safer workplaces, stronger agreements and respect for every electrical worker.
120 years down. The fight continues.