William Hopkins OAM

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to William (Bill) Hopkins OAM on recently being awarded Life Membership of the Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch). Bill's working life began on the railways and in 1967 he became a union official for the steel industry in Newcastle. As National Assistant Secretary for the Federated Ironworkers Association (Now the AWU), Bill negotiated major industrial disputes both at home and abroad. He made valuable contributions as a delegate to the Australian Council of Trade Unions and was a trusted source of wise counsel to Prime Ministers and Premiers. Resolving major disputes is something Bill is very proud of, having been instrumental in improving relations between unions, government, and employers. Bill has continued to make contributions to our community and has steered the East Maitland Bowling club through expansions and acquisitions in a tireless effort to make his community better. Bill has always remembered where he came from and followed his father's advice of "No one is better than you and you are better than no one". He is now the President of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society. Congratulations Bill on this much deserved recognition.