Update on PA National Board

After 12 years of considerable service to Professionals Australia, Andrew Russack resigned as National President on 5 March 2023.

The National Board has appointed Katie Havelberg to the casual vacancy of National President. This is an historic appointment for the union, as Katie is the first female as well as the first scientist to fill the National President role at Professionals Australia.

Katie has been a member of the union and a workplace delegate for more than 14 years and is a long-serving member of the National Assembly. She is in her fifth year serving as a member of the National Board and is also the President of the Professional Scientists Division and the scientist member on Professional Australia’s Queensland committee. She is passionate about building membership and empowering members to create change and committed to giving professionals the voice they deserve.

There have been further changes to National Board positions as a result of Andrew’s departure, including Andrew Wilkins to the resulting casual vacancy as National Senior Vice President, Stuart Small to the resulting casual vacancy as National Treasurer and Matthew Silleto to the resulting casual vacancy as National Secretary.

With the appointment of Matt Silleto to National Secretary, a casual vacancy for National Vice President was created and after reviewing the Australian Electoral Commission report on the results of the Stage 3 APESMA E2021/177 election, the National Board appointed Jane Waldock to the casual vacancy of National Vice President.

Bianca Piljic and Rob Miller remain in their positions as National Vice Presidents.

On behalf of the National Board, Katie thanked Andrew Russack for his dedication to Professionals Australia, particularly in dealing with the challenges of the last few years.

“Andrew has been a steady and dependable leader who has steered the ship through COVID, a new CEO, and a changing membership base. We wish him well for the future and hope that he enjoys being able to spend more time with his family.”

Professionals Australia would also like to thank Andrew on behalf of members for his commitment and contribution to Professionals Australia and to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

We also congratulate Katie on her appointment as the new President of the union.

The updated National Board is available here.