Alison Barnes is returned for a second term as national president of the National Tertiary Education Union

So is Gabe Gooding, as national assistant secretary. Former NSW state division  secretary Damien Cahill is elected national secretary. Dr Cahill stood with Barnes and Gooding, and replaces previous general secretary Matthew McGowan who announced he was not running before campaigning commenced (CMM May 16).

The officers ticket prevailed in a fiercely contested campaign, unusual for the NTEU where national elections rarely attract multiple candidates. They were opposed by the “Renew NTEU” team of Ali Fahad (for president), Anastasia Kanjere (secretary) and Andrew Beitzel (assistant sec), which had a support base among  university staff in insecure employment.

Dr Kanjere campaigned strongly attracting 41 per cent of vote (Fahad 33 per cent and Beitzel 37 per cent).

There was a close race in Victoria. Sarah Roberts (previously assistant secretary) was elected state sec, defeating Uni Melbourne branch president Annette Herrera, 1125 to 956. Ruth Jelly, running with Ms Roberts, for assistant sec, just held off David Gonzalez (Uni Melbourne), 453 to 420.

While the win was decisive the thin poll demonstrates the importance of getting the vote out next time round. Of 26 500 people on the roll 5500 voted. The election was conducted by the Australian Election Commission.