The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is the peak union body in Queensland with 27 affiliated unions representing the interests of 400,000 Queensland workers.
Since its foundation in 1885, the QCU — as the peak body for the Queensland trade union movement — has strived to achieve industrial, social and political justice for Queensland workers.
“As Queensland unions we commit to stand together as a movement of workers for workers.
We gain our power and strength by working collectively and cooperatively, and in solidarity with each other.
Everyone has a right to be safe and respected and we stand against any form of discrimination and all forms of harassment.
Our movement is stronger because we seek to be inclusive and embrace diversity, equity, and fairness as fundamental tenets of who we are as a movement”.
Jacqueline King has a diverse background within the fields of industrial relations, work health and safety, and skills and training.
She was elected General Secretary on 31 July 2023, having previously held the role of Acting General Secretary since December 2022 and QCU Assistant General Secretary since February 2020.
Jacqueline has a wealth of experience in the union movement, including a variety of roles across the Finance Sector Union, the Australian Services Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Jacqueline is known for her passion and strong advocacy for women’s rights and has led campaigns to address pay inequity and sexual harassment in workplaces.
Jacqueline is also deeply committed to addressing workplace health and safety issues and has been a strong advocate for preventing psycho-social hazards such as harassment, occupational violence and intensive workloads.
Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Law (Honours) First Class Honours degree, a Graduate Diploma of Professional Legal Practice, a Master of Business Administration, and several qualifications in work, health and safety, management and training design and development.
Michelle Rae was appointed Assistant General Secretary of the QCU in May 2025. She joins the QCU after 17 years with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and more than 25 years union experience.
Michelle is a passionate and accomplished union leader with over 25 years of experience in employment and industrial relations. She has dedicated her career to advocating for fair and equitable workplace conditions, with a strong focus on collectivism and empowering workers through unity and action.
Michelle has held multiple senior leadership roles within the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), and as an ACTU organiser has worked with unions representing communication, public sector, transport and electricity industries. In these roles, she has led national campaigns, negotiated critical employment reforms, and driven meaningful change in industry standards and policies. Her strategic leadership has resulted in improved diversity, workplace protections, and significant membership growth.
Michelle brings deep expertise in industrial negotiations, stakeholder engagement, policy development, workplace training, and media advocacy.
With a strong commitment to social justice and equity, Michelle’s work continues to influence policy, support workers’ rights, and build stronger, more inclusive workplaces
Honorary President
Kate Ruttiman (QTU)
General Secretary
Jacqueline King
Assistant General Secretary
Michelle Rae
Senior Vice-Presidents
Sarah Beaman (QNMU)
Peter Allen (RTBU)
Vice-Presidents
Rohan Webb (AMWU)
Terry Burke (IEUA-QNT)
Jennifer Thomas (TSU/Together)
Sally Gunner (CPSU) Stacey Schinnerl (AWU) Sean Kelly (PA)
Honorary Treasurer
Wendy Streets (FSU)
Executive Members
Brad Ready (AIMPE)
Matt Journeaux (AMIEU)
Ann-Marie Allan (AMWU)
Mark Raguse (AWU)
Cameron Bird (CWU)
Alison Rudman (CFMEU Manufacturing)
Rebecca Sisson (IEUA-QNT)
Michelle Rae (MEAA)
Mitch Hughes (MEU)
Jason Miners (MUA)
Michael McNally (NTEU)
Denise Breadsell (QNMU)
David Beckham (QNMU)
Shane Prior (QPU)
Cresta Richardson (QTU)
Brendan Crotty (QTU)
Neil Henderson (TSU/Together)
Dee Spink (TSU/Together)
Josh Millroy (TWU)
John Oliver (QPFU)
Gary Bullock (UWU) (AMOU)
Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE)
Australasian Meat Industry Employees’ Union (AMIEU)
Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU)
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU)
Australian Workers Union (AWU)
CFMEU Manufacturing
Communication Workers Union (CWU)
Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU)
Collieries Staff and Officials Association (CSOA)
Finance Sector Union (FSU)
Independent Education Union (IEUQ)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
Mining Energy Union (MEU)
Maritime Union of Australia (MUA))
National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)
Professionals Australia
Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU)
Queensland Police Union (QPU)
Queensland Professional Firefighters Union (QPFU)
Queensland Teachers Union (QTU)
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RBTU)
The Services Union (TSU)
Together
Transport Workers Union (TWU)
United Workers Union (UWU)