I am writing to let you all know that I am resigning from the union, both as National Secretary and Victorian Branch Executive Officer.

I do so with a heavy heart, but for personal and health reasons I can no longer do the job required for the good of the members.

I have given everything I can to get the union through the first 18 months of Administration. As I have said to members, shop stewards and to staff, I believe the union will get through this period and come out stronger.

I am proud of what we have achieved in Victoria during this difficult period. We have grown the membership, we have maintained the shop steward structure, we have passed a resolution condemning corruption and we have implemented a shop stewards code of conduct. Despite the challenges of Administration, we also delivered the 2024 EBA covering 36,000 members and maintained solidarity with the Building Industry Group of Unions.

I am very proud of the campaigns that I led in the National Office, in particular the national Stop the Killer Stone campaign which will continue to protect construction workers and their families for years to come, and advocacy around affordable housing.

It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Victorian members.

The Victorian Branch has an experienced and committed leadership team and a new structure. Lisa Zanatta and Nigel Davies will be interim joint Branch Executive Officers, with the assistance of new Executive Directors, Dr. Gerry Ayers and Dave Vroland.

The reasons I am leaving are personal. I cannot continue to serve the union in the way that the members deserve, and taking time away is in the best interests of myself, the people I care about and the union.

In solidarity,

Zach Smith