The 44-year-old inherits the trade union movement while it is enjoying a golden era of political influence, but also faces a long-term decline in membership and a fight for the rights of workers in the AI boom.

Melissa Donnelly, who has led the Community and Public Sector Union for seven years, will replace ACTU secretary Sally McManus at the end of August.

CPSU head Melissa Donnelly highlights the changing face of unions where the average member is now a 44-year-old working mother.