Wednesday, 18 March 2026

 Mathew HILAKARI (Point Cook) (10:11): Comrades, almost 10 years to the day ago David Leydon and the ASU led Maurice Blackburn and the team there on industrial action. A historic moment, something that has never happened before. Last month this true legend of the union movement retired from my union, the Australian Services Union, the private sector branch in Victoria. He had provided 38 years of service dedicated to working people and the protection of their rights at work. He started after the union was one. He started there as a delegate, later serving as an industrial officer. He went on to become assistant branch secretary and since 2018 has been the branch president. In nearly four decades of service he has been a steadfast and passionate advocate for members of this great union.

Many on this side of the house will know David – I see the nods around this room. He is fierce. He is principled. He is principled in his defence of workers. He has never wavered in standing up for fairness, dignity and respect in our workplaces. David represents the very best of our labour movement, a tireless champion of working people, a true believer in the light on the hill. He has mentored generations of activists into union leaders, including the leaders of the ASU private sector branch today. Workers in this state are better off because of his leadership, his integrity and his unwavering commitment to justice at work. I wish him the best for his retirement, for more time with his wife Sarah and grandson Archie, who I predict is a future Australian cricketer – guaranteed.