Elections for the governing body of our union, the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU), are held every four years. They are being conducted now by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), a government body that is independent of the QNMU.
This election is very important as it determines the future direction of your union. Although voting is not compulsory, we strongly encourage all members to participate in this vital democratic process. If you have any questions about the election you are encouraged to contact your local QNMU Members United recommended candidates to discuss our vision for our unions future.
How can I vote for Sarah, Grant, Ashleigh, Simon, Lucynda and the QNMU Members United team?
If you are a member of the QNMU you will receive a ballot paper and reply paid envelope from the Australian Electoral Commission.
Make sure that you mark your ballot to reflect the QNMU Members United candidates.
In this ballot you vote by marking your candidate preferences in a box with an X. In the Council election you can mark up to 22 candidates for your vote to be valid. Do not mark any more than 22 boxes or your vote will not be valid. The QNMU Members United team page lists our recommended candidates.
Make sure to put your ballot in the reply paid envelope, seal it, and put in a red Australia Post mail box or drop it to a post office.
**** What should I do if my ballot papers are ruined by rain? ****
You should should immediately contact the AEC Returning Officer Hanish Gupta via email at IEBevents@aec.gov.au or via phone 03 9285 7111 and request that a replacement set be immediately sent to you.
How is the election being conducted?
The AEC is conducting the ballot by a postal vote to all QNMU members. Ballot papers will be sent to each member’s recorded postal address. It is a secret postal ballot that will be counted by the AEC. The QNMU has no control over this process as it is an independent process that is determined under the rules of our union.
If you are a member of the QNMU you will receive a ballot paper and reply paid envelope from the Australian Electoral Commission.
After marking your ballot, make sure to put your ballot in the reply paid envelope (Addressed to the AEC), seal it, and put in a red Australia Post mail box or drop it to a post office.
What positions are up for election?
As all positions are being contested at this election, a ballot is being conducted for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and two Assistant Secretaries and for 22 Councillor positions, plus two First Nations positions (these two positions received uncontested nominations). These 29 positions make up the governing body that is responsible for managing the affairs of our union. Find out more about the QNMU Members United team and our recommended candidates here.
When will the mail out commence?
The ballot will open on Thursday 3 April. The AEC are allowing two weeks for ballots to reach members given Queensland is a very decentralised state and there is the potential for delays in Australia Post services. The AEC is posting the ballots from Melbourne which could create an additional delay.
When is the election being conducted?
The ballot by the AEC will open formally on Thursday, 3 April 2025 and will close at 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. All ballot papers must be received by the AEC by 10am on 6 May to be counted.
When should I send my ballot paper back to the AEC?
We all lead busy lives, so it is easy to set aside things to do later, and before we know it, the critical due dates are passed. So we strongly recommend that you complete your ballot paper as soon as you have received it and post it back to the AEC. Just look out for the AEC logo on the envelope that is posted to you postal address so you can quickly identify this important correspondence.
What if I don’t receive my ballot paper by 14 April?
You should immediately contact the AEC Returning Officer Hanish Gupta via email at IEBevents@aec.gov.au or via phone 02 9375 6375.You should advise her that you have not received your ballot papers and request that a replacement set be immediately sent to you. You should complete and return the ballot as soon as you receive it.
What is the last date for posting back my ballot?
Given the lengthy delays sometimes experienced with Australia Post deliveries, especially for rural and remote locations, we strongly recommend that you complete and return you ballot paper as soon as you receive it. We recommend you post it back no later than Friday, 25 April to allow a week for delivery to Melbourne.
When and where will the ballot be counted?
The AEC has said they will declare the result of the election within two weeks of closing the ballot.
Why is the election being conducted for the ANMF – QNMU Branch?
This election is being conducted under the rules of our federal organisation the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). In the past elections were conducted for the two union entities that exist – the Queensland Branch of the ANMF and the state registered union, the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU). However the rules were changed over 10 years ago so that only one election is required under our federal body (the ANMF – QNMU Branch). This means only one ballot process is required rather than two and the results from the ANMF election are then applied to the Queensland body. As our union is not known as the ANMF in Queensland, the name of the QNMU has been included in the ballot process and materials.
Need more information?
If you require clarification about the AEC Ballot process please contact the Returning Officer Hanish Gupta via email at IEBevents@aec.gov.au or via phone 03 9285 7111.
If you would like any information about the QNMU Members United Team’s agenda for the future or our union please refer to the website www.qnmumembersunited.net or email us at qnmumembersunited@gmail.com
It is essential that members vote to give a strong message about the importance of maintaining a vibrant and strong union – the largest in the state.The QNMU Members United Team have a plan for the future and we would like to share our vision with you.