Emma Kingdon elected as next ACTU president

Emma Kingdon has been elected as the next president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), succeeding Michele O’Neil. Kingdon, 38, will formally begin her term in December, working alongside the new ACTU secretary, Melissa Donnelly.

Kingdon’s career includes ten years at the ACTU, where she previously served as the national campaigns director. Her background includes roles as a union organiser for the United Workers Union and the Finance Sector Union, as well as work representing employees in the early childhood education, aged care, and fast-food sectors. Most recently, she served as the executive officer for the CFMEU Administration, assisting in the rebuilding of the union following corruption and criminality allegations in the construction industry.

Upon her appointment, Kingdon emphasized that securing greater workplace rights and addressing the cost-of-living crisis remain her primary priorities.