Skip to main content

Governance and Rules

The MUA is an organisation committed strongly to member participation and democratic participation. The union is guided by a set of rules and decisions adopted over the many proud years of its history via its Annual meetings and Quadrennial Conference.

The National Council governs, manages and exercises general supervision over the affairs of the Union between Annual General Meetings and Special Meetings of the members of the Union; it meets at least once a year. The National Council is made up of the National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, Assistant National Secretaries, Branch Secretaries and Deputy Branch Secretaries.

A National Executive is also empowered to advise the National Council and act in between National Council meetings; it consists of the National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, Assistant National Secretaries, the National Presiding Officer, Deputy National Presiding Officer and two other members elected by and from National Council in accordance with the provisions of Rule 48 both of whom are National Vice Presiding Officers.

Notice of proposed changes to rules of the MUA

In accordance with regulatory requirements, notice of these rule changes was lodged with the Fair Work Commission on 02/04/2026.

Please click here to view the Notice of particulars for alteration of Rules of The Maritime Union of Australia Division  filed with the Fair Work Commission on 19 December 2025.

Notice of application for an exemption under s.144(2) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act to provide for elections to be held by a secret ballot other than a postal ballot

Please click here to view the application and particulars of proposed alterations of the rules of the Maritime Union of Australia Division filed with the Fair Work Commission on 20 May 2026.

The current MUA Divisional rules can be viewed here .

The full current National Rules of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union can be reviewed here.

Financial Statements

The 2025 Financial Report is available clicking the link below:

Prior years:

Related Party Disclosure Statements

The 2024 Officer and Related Party Disclosure Statements in accordance with Section 293J Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 for the National Office and the Branches are available by clicking the relevant link below:

Policy Documents

Various policy documents and statements can be found via the links below:

Your Union

The Seaman's Union of Australia and Waterside Workers Federation merge to create the Maritime Union of Australia (1993). The lead-up to the merger saw the Marine Cooks Bakers and Butchers Association (formed in 1908) amalgamated with the SUA in 1983, and the Federated Marine Stewards and Pantrymen's Association merged in 1988. In 1991 the Professional Divers Association also amalgamated with the S.U.A.

Contact

  • 02 9267 9134 extension 0
  • [email protected]
  • Level 2, 365 - 375 Sussex Street,
    Sydney NSW 2000

Connect

 

Maritime Union of Australia

A Division of the CFMEU