Statement on new National Office Bearers

In August the members of the Renters And Housing Union voted to amend our constitution with new rules relating to Office Bearers. Previously only 1 would be elected, but now 2 Co-Office bearers are elected; And one must be a woman/gender diverse.

Since that vote, nominations were opened then elections were held to fill these new roles, as well as any other vacant roles. Earlier in October the returning officer reported the results of the new elections.

The following results were compiled by Return Officer Raquel for Office Bearers being elected in the following positions:

Secretary = Sadie
Communications Officer= Elizabeth
Membership Officer = Taylah
Queer Officer = Jess
Policy = Tahlia
Social Media Officer = Kieran
Disability / Operations Roles = Emily
Public and Social Housing = Hank

Due to rules relating to one person not being able to hold 2 Office Bearer positions, Emily could not take both Disability and Operations co-chair. After a brief discussion she elected to take on the Co-Disability Officer position.

The new and current list of RAHU national level Office Bearers (in no particular order) is as follows:

Co-Secretarys: Harry Millward & Sadie Ward
Treasurer: Alex H
Co-Membership Officers: Taylah G & Milly C
Campaigns Officer: Cass P
Operations Office Bearer: Kali
Inventory Officer: Alisa F
Queer Officer: Jess
Social Media Officer: Kieran B

Co-Research and Policy Officers: William B & Tahlia M
First Nations Officer: Keiran Stewart-Assheton
Co-Disability Officers: Artemis M & Emily
Communications Officer: Elizabeth W*
Public and Social Housing officer: Hank Ferguson

*= Due to unforeseen circumstances Elizabeth has indicated they’ll not be able to take up the comms. role and will be stepping down from it.

Annual elections for all Office Bearers will be held as usual at the end of year, and all office bearers roles will be up for election, including those elected today.

Quotes attributable to Returning Officer Raquel:

“I am pleased to announce the current Office Bearers following the release of the results. Thank you to everyone who raised their hand. This result reflects incredible momentum toward sustained, staunch housing activism.”

Quotes Attributable to Co-secretary Harry Milward

“Congratulations to all the new Office Bearers with their successful nomination and election. They will be an amazing team for helping to organise and fight for better outcomes both inside and outside the union walls.”

Quotes Attributable to new elected Co-secretary Sadie Ward

“I want to thank everyone for voting for me. I’m working on a framework to present that outlines a plan on how we can steer RAHU further in the direction of collective bargaining and building power against specific landlords. I look forward to fighting for this union and renters across so-called Australia together!”