QNMU Local Branch Delegates are elected and represent their Local Branch membership at Annual Conference each year.
The Annual Conference is a forum where Delegates come together and represent members to debate issues and policy priorities for the QNMU to progress in the future.
How does a Delegate do this?
Once elected, Delegates and Alternate Delegates form or join a Steering Committee for their Local QNMU Branch. A Steering Committee consists of a Chair and no less than three, or no more than 11, other members.
The Steering Committee appoints a Chairperson and at each meeting a Minute Secretary to summarise the proceedings of the meeting and provide the record to the Chairperson and your QNMU Organiser.
A Steering Committee meets regularly to:
- articulate issues affecting members of their Local Branch.
- provide feedback to QNMU Organisers on both the issues and concerns, and the views and aspirations of members in their workplace and Local Branch.
- develop activities and plans (in consultation with their QNMU Organiser) for members to implement in the workplace to support the QNMU’s strategic ambitions, which are:
- Value what matters
- Win good jobs
- Build community wellbeing
For more information please have a read of the QNMU Strategic Plan on our website.
- develop proposals to be submitted as Notices of Motions for the consideration by the Annual Conference. Further information on how to frame and write a motion can be found in Chapter 2.11 of the QNMU Local Branch Handbook.
An Alternate Delegate operates as a substitute – if necessary, they can step in and replace a Delegate at a Steering Committee meeting, a full branch meeting, or at Annual Conference.
Most nurses and midwives want to improve their workplace. As a Delegate or Alternate Delegate, you will play a pivotal role in progressing change to benefit your colleagues.
What makes a good Delegate?
- You act in good faith and do the best you can for your work colleagues and Local QNMU Branch.
- You are a team player and create a culture of inclusiveness and encourage colleagues to become QNMU members.
- You arrange Branch meetings and encourage all branch members to get involved.
Delegates are always supported by QNMU staff, including your Organiser and Professional and Industrial Officers. You can also contact our Member Connect team for immediate advice.
Other things to note:
Every year, the QNMU Secretary and/or Assistant Secretary convene two Meetings of Delegates (MODs) in various locations across Queensland.
MODs are an opportunity for the QNMU to report on union activities, provide information relating to issues and matters that affect members, and to consult with Delegates and other members on policy outcomes from Annual Conference.
The QNMU also provides free activist education training, which will empower you in your new branch position.
If you have any further questions about nominating for a Delegate or Alternate Delegate position, please contact your Organiser.
Resources
QNMU education
Your union empowers members and provides you with the training required to build your Local QNMU Branch.
For a list of our current courses, visit www.qnmu.org.au/events
QNMU Local Branch and Workplace Representative Handbook
All you ever wanted to know about running a Local Branch and how they work in our union’s democratic structure is contained within this handbook.
Visit www.qnmu.org.au/Handbook