Politics

The PM called Sally McManus a giant of the labour movement. Now she just wants to go birding

The Guardian Australia - Australian Politics · 17 August 2026 at 1:00 am

The PM called Sally McManus a giant of the labour movement. Now she just wants to go birding

After securing wage rises for low-paid workers, weathering death threats and working with three PMs – the ACTU secretary is ready for a break Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Sally McManus started her job as the country’s most powerful trade union leader amid howls of criticism.

Shouted down for suggesting union members were right to break “unjust” industrial laws in a live TV interview, McManus quickly adjusted to the high-decibel work of being secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

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The PM called Sally McManus a giant of the labour movement. Now she just wants to go birding

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