July 28, 2026 — 2:50pmQueensland Labor powerbroker Gary Bullock has been appointed leader of the United Workers Union, giving him increased influence over the party at the national level following pivotal internal elections.As the secretary of the union’s state branch, Bullock has been one of the most significant figures in Queensland politics for more than a decade, holding sway in Labor’s dominant left-wing faction.He was the key backer of Steven Miles when he ousted Annastacia Palaszczuk as premier in 2023.Gary Bullock with United Workers Union members in Brisbane in 2024.Dan PeledThe UWU announced on Tuesday that Bullock had been elected to a four-year term as national secretary, replacing Tim Kennedy. Lyndal Ryan would serve as national president.The announcement came after a ticket led by president Jo Schofield and linked to Bullock, United for You, won this year’s internal UWU elections, deemed among the most important in decades for Labor’s future direction.United for You promised it would improve the union’s finances, prevent fee hikes, and campaign for political wins that benefit members, alongside wage agreements.Kennedy’s rival Members First ticket had argued the union was too involved in factional power plays, and pledged to give the membership a greater say over its political manoeuvres.The UWU is one of the largest unions in Australia with about 145,000 members. It was founded in 2019 through a merger of National Union of Workers, then led by Kennedy, and Bullock’s United Voice.It represents employees in more than 45 industries, including early childhood education, aged care, cleaning, security, manufacturing, hospitality, and logistics.“When working people stand together, we win,” Bullock said in a statement announcing his new role.“Better pay, safer workplaces, more secure jobs. That’s what this union delivers, and that’s what builds a stronger Australia.”Bullock won significant factional power in Queensland after planting UWU candidates in seats Labor did not expect to pick up before the 2015 election. The party went on to oust Campbell Newman’s LNP government.With Labor back in opposition by 2024, some insiders said his influence in the state was beginning to wane.The UWU announced Carolyn Smith, Demi Pnevmatikos, Helen Gibbons and Pat O’Donnell would serve as vice presidents. Erryn Cresshull, Dom Rose, Jackie Lowe, Catalina Gonzalez, Fiona Scalon and Chris Field would serve as executive officers.The union promoted the fact that both of its new leaders had started their career on the “shop floor”, with Bullock in a paint factory and Ryan working as an early childhood educator.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners