'Build A Better Future' online shop now open!

The Build A Better Future online shop has been established by the ACTU to give unions and union activists the opportunity to purchase campaign apparel and material.

Apparel on this site is produced in Australia by an ethical clothing manufacturer and complies with the Build A Better Future style guide requirements.

Items have been priced at 1 unit and 100 units respectively.  As this is a retail site it therefore includes GST in the purchase price.

If you are looking to purchase more than 100 units of a particular item we advise that you contact Fiona from Bluegum on (03) 8873 4444 or at fiona@bluegum.com.au.

Financial transactions are processed through a secure PayPal portal.

Find out more about the campaign and join the fight.

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2015 holiday hamper competition

Some of the excellent organisations that make up our Australian Unions Member Benefits family have made some generous contributions to our festive season hampers this year which are sure to bring joy to three lucky union members to share with workmates, family and friends!

Hamper 1

• $100 WISH gift card courtesy of ME
• 2 x Gold Class Movie Tix courtesy of ISinsured
• 2 x DVDs from Madman: 'Banksy Does New York' and 'Listen Up Philip'
• Build a better future merchandise pack

Hamper 2

• $100 JB HiFi card courtesy of ME
• 2 x DVDs from Madman: 'Banksy Does New York' and 'Listen Up Philip'
• Build a better future merchandise pack
• 4 x Hoyts Movie Tix courtesy of Australian Unions

Hamper 3

• $50 Rebel Sports card courtesy of ME
• 2 x DVDs from Madman: 'Banksy Does New York' and 'Listen Up Philip'
• Build a better future merchandise pack
• 4 x Hoyts Movie Tix courtesy of Australian Unions

COMPETITION: To enter email Member Benefits before 5pm EDT Wednesday 16^th December 2015.

One entry per union member.

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Looking for that perfect Christmas Case (and a discount)?

Look no further than the Cracking Christmas Dozen -  Valued at over $276 - yours for just $119.04 + delivery SAVE $157.92!

Cracka Wines have Christmas sorted with this decadent mixed case of all your Christmas essentials. Whether you are planning a seafood extravaganza or a traditional Christmas roast - there is a wine to suite every meal (and every palate!). Plus there is even a bottle of the deliciously drinkable Alto Profilo Prosecco DOC Brut NV to start your celebrations.

But wait - there’s more! We are pleased to announce the member discount you enjoy today (and everyday) with Cracka Wines has increased from 5% to 7.5% - starting today!

Be quick and don’t forget to quote your UNIONS code to receive an additional 7.5% discount off the advertised price when you checkout.

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Looking for a better home loan deal?

Right now union members could get more, with a discount of 0.50% p.a.* for the life of the loan on ME’s basic home loan variable reference rate.

It’s available on new owner occupied applications received between 20 November 2015 and 6 March 2016 and settled by 6 June 2016.

Visit ME's website for more details.


* The offer of saving 0.50% p.a. off the basic home loan variable reference rate applies for so long as you have a basic home loan and is only available to you as a union member on new home loan applications received between 20-Nov-2015 and 6-Mar-2016 and settled by 6-Jun-2016 where the primary loan purpose at application is owner occupied and remains this way during the term of your basic home loan. It is not available for top ups or refinances of existing ME home loans. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Applications are subject to credit approval.

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Things to consider when buying a car

Purchasing a car is a major commitment and whilst it is easy to get caught up in choosing your favourite make and model, it is also important to be adequately informed about all the potential costs involved, such as stamp duty, registration and insurance.

Since insurance costs vary from model to model, you should investigate insurance options from the outset so that you know what to expect.

If you are purchasing a car consider ISinsured car insurance products. ISinsured offers a range of benefits including a lifetime repair guarantee.

If you are purchasing a brand new car, ISinsured car insurance products offers additional benefits such as a four year new car replacement option if it is written off within the first four years or 100,000 km*.

To find out more about ISinsured car insurance products, call ISinsured on 1800 827 502 or visit www.isinsured.com.au.

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Send some peace, spirit and solidarity this festive season!

Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA are pleased to once again have a card in this year’s range from the pen of Walkley Award winning cartoonist/satirist First Dog on the Moon and his take on the festive season. There are also two great new indigenous designs from the Warlukurlangu artists collective, as well as a beautiful rendering of the more traditional peace dove.

Great designs and great value - only $12 (plus P&H) for a pack of ten!

As you would know, by purchasing your festive season cards from APHEDA, you will be helping workers and communities in developing countries gain the skills and knowledge to achieve independence and fair and decent work.

All cards are printed inside with 'Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year'.

There are also mixed packs of this year's designs available.

You can help by buying cards here or by becoming a regular donor.

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Will your retirement plans pass the new Assets Test?

5 things you need to know about the upcoming changes

From 1 January 2017, new stricter thresholds will be used to assess eligibility for the age pension, an important part of many Australians retirement plans.

If you are nearing retirement age and planning to retire in the next couple of years you will be subject to the new thresholds.

You need to be aware of the changes as they may impact your eligibility and the amount of pension benefit you will be entitled to.

To find out more about the changes, visit the Australian Unions Financial Advice Toolkit.

The information in this article is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before investing in any product you should therefore read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider the appropriateness of any investment for your objectives, financial situation or needs. The Australian Unions Financial Advice Toolkit is powered by Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS), ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514. IFS one of the largest providers of financial services and products to industry super funds, unions and their members.

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Thank you Madman Entertainment!

To the wonderful team at Madman Entertainment, a very big thank you for all the excellent DVDs and movie tickets they have generously donated as prizes to union members throughout 2015. Madman proudly showcases the best in collectible and special interest genres including Australian film, world cinema, TV, kids content, Anime, sports and more. For the latest range of Madman offerings visit their website at www.madman.com.au.

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Get the new Member Benefits App for the festive season!

Over the last year Australian Unions launched some new and exclusive Member Benefits.

Our program has expanded to now include:

• Discounted movie tickets
• Discounted gift cards for top retailers and attractions
• A discounted accommodation booking site
• Discounted Tyres, Car Hire and wine
• Banking - great Mates Rates from ME
• A new secure member only website and smart phone app

This is a free program available to affiliated union members, with the option to upgrade for access to more benefits.

Click here to register now. 

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Key myths that put your Super at risk

Super is in the Coalition’s sights because they have to fix their budget mess, but the danger is they will hit workers’ savings instead of tackling the massive super concessions given to the wealthy, which are worth billions. 

Superannuation is backed by Labor and was set up over 20 years ago when our unions won superannuation as a right for all workers and set up Industry SuperFunds to look after the retirement savings of their members.
The idea is to give ordinary working people the chance to acquire funds for their retirement. As the debate heats up, we look at some of the myths:

# Myth 1: Your funds are safe
The Coalition claims it is protecting ordinary workers’ funds by shaking up Super. Yeah right! The Union movement is determined to protect these funds and is expressing grave fears over the Turnbull government’s determination to force changes and challenge union administration over the $433 billion industry superannuation system.

Read on for full article on Working Life

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Thousands march over climate as Turnbull feels the heat

Tackling climate change may be the most complex issue humanity has ever faced, and thousands are heeding the call to action.

Rallies rolled on across the country last weekend, following well attended protests in Melbourne on Friday and Darwin and Brisbane on Saturday.

On Sunday, it was the turn of Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.

Tens of thousands marched nationally to demand improvement, while hundreds of thousands rallied around the world.

Read on for full article on Working Life

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