Emeline Gaske has been appointed the new National Secretary of the Australian Services Union (ASU).
A long-term ASU member, Gaske has worked as a senior officer of the union for almost ten years.
She was appointed Assistant National Secretary in October 2020, and since then has led the unions’ work in areas ranging from aviation to community and disability services and broad national reform such as the new right to disconnect laws introduced last week.
“I thank the National Executive for the honour of leading our Union as National Secretary. I am grateful for their trust in me and look forward to continuing to serve our members in the role,” said Gaske.
Representing the interests of approximately 135,000 members across the country, the ASU is one of the largest trade unions in Australia.
Formed in 1993 as an amalgamation of a number of unions, the organisation operates in diverse areas including local government, energy, water, public transport, airlines, shipping, travel, ports, social and community services, information technology and the private sector clerical and administrative area.
Gaske is currently the Director of HESTA, an industry super fund for health and community services. She’s also worked as Associate, Employment and Industrial Law with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, and before that, was Organiser of the Finance Sector Union of Australia.
She also holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from both The University of Western Australia and Monash University.
Gaske is taking over the role of National Secretary from Robert Potter, who advised the National Executive that he will move on to take up a position focussed on net zero investment and jobs. Potter has served the members of the union for over 20 years, including the past decade as an elected official in the National Office, and as National Secretary since November 2019.
Speaking to the transition, Gaske said: “Robert Potter leaves a distinguished legacy in serving the Union and its members, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”