AUSVEG announced today the National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU), Paul Howes, will be the keynote speaker at the 2012 AUSVEG Convention next month in Hobart.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Paul not only attend the Convention but also address the delegates,” said AUSVEG CEO, Richard Mulcahy.
AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“Mr Howes’ experience working within the Union movement and also serving on the Australian Labor Party’s National Executive will bring a unique perspective to the Keynote Session,” said Mr Mulcahy.
Mr Howes is the high profile National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union which represents over 135,000 members.
“Mr Howes’ presentation will offer delegates an insight into one of the largest unions in the country and more importantly show the common issues facing both horticultural producers and the AWU’s members,” said Mr Mulcahy.
Mr Howes’ keynote speech will take place on Friday 11 May, from 10:30am – 11:00am in the Speaker Auditorium at Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Hobart, Tasmania.
“There are many concerns that AUSVEG and the AWU share on behalf of our members, the high Australian dollar, product dumping from China as well as food security to name a few. I think all delegates at the Convention will be surprised at how similar our organisations policies are on these matters as we both strive to create a sustainable future for our industry,” said Mr Mulcahy.
The AUSVEG National Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence is the biggest event in the horticulture calendar and in 2011 attracted almost 1,000 delegates to its Convention in Brisbane. In 2012 the AUSVEG Convention is set to eclipse that number of attendees and inject approximately one million dollars into the local economy.
A full list of speakers and Convention information is available at www.ausveg.com.au/convention

AUSVEG MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill – Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au

AWU MEDIA CONTACT: Henry Armstrong – Executive Officer, The Australian Workers’ Union
Phone: (02) 8005 3333, Mobile: 0407 831 004, Email: henry.armstrong@nat.awu.net.au