Who we are

We are researchers in education, industrial relations, labour law and history. Drawing on a range of methodologies, knowledge bases and perspectives, we are collaborating on recording and analysing semi-structured interviews with trade union trainers, administrators and course participants.

In addition, we are analysing a rich array of national, union and personal archives, and examining Parliamentary materials, legislation and case law relating to the establishment and abolition of TUTA and the legal framework for union training.

This project has been funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant, bringing together the following partners:

• The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Graduate School of Education and School of Historical and Philosophical Studies)
• RMIT (Graduate School of Business and Law)
• Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
• The Union Education Foundation (TUEF)

Academic researchers:

From the University of Melbourne:

• Dr Mary Leahy
• Dr Alice Garner
• Emeritus Professor John Polesel
• Emeritus Professor Stuart Macintyre

From RMIT:

• Professor Anthony Forsyth
• Ms Renee Burns

Partner investigators:

• Michael Beahan, former director of TUTA in Western Australia and WA Senator
• Max Ogden, union educator, TUTA national and Victorian council member
• Scott Connolly, ACTU Assistant Secretary

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Contact: tuta-project-teamATunimelb.edu.au