At a time when experienced leadership is so important for the nursing and midwifery professions, I am truly excited to see the quality & experience of the Candish/Whaites Team assembled for the upcoming NSWNMA election.

As the former Assistant General Secretary I was on the the panels of both Shaye Candish and Michael Whaites when they were hired at the NSWNMA. Shaye displayed not only a passion about our professions and unionism she showed signs of the ‘x’ factor required to not only advance the professions but also an in-depth knowledge of campaigning and an innate ability to organise, mobilise, politicise and grow the membership. She showed this recently as she led the successful NSW Branch of the ANMF in the aged care campaign for ratios.

I have admired Michael Whaites since his days as a RPAH delegate especially on the Conference floor where his dedication to our professions and his commitment to unionism was always expertly articulated. Michael was the Secretary of the Oceania Region of Public Services International (PSI) and in this role learned to run the business side of a union. He also has extremely good knowledge of Association & ANMF Branch rules and is the governance educator for the Association.

Shaye and Michael have all the qualities that are a must for the ongoing stability and progress of the largest union in NSW.

Please vote for the Candish/Whaites Team in the upcoming NSWNMA elections.

Judith Kiejda, former NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary