Delegate to organiser, Gold Coast to Townsville

When asked what he expects the transition from organiser to delegate will be like Liam has no illusions, while he expected the role won’t be too dissimilar to the role of state-wide senior delegate, he does acknowledge it will be a hell of a lot busier and more intense

“I suspect the organiser role will be like what I have been doing in my last role as the senior state-wide delegate Trying to achieve the similar outcomes, to better the lives of members, while protecting our industry Just on a whole new level with a lot more workplaces and members to look after and being a whole lot busier!”

A self-taught foodie

I enjoy cooking mainly due to my love of food, never being much of a cook I recently started watching videos on YouTube and with some help from mum learnt the basics Although I’m still a pretty basic cook I enjoy cooking for family and friends and or putting on a weekend BBQ My potato bakes and pork belly are always a favourite

Being ETU means?

“Being a part of the ETU family means so much more than just being a member of a union It’s being a part of a movement made up of all different sorts of people and personalities from all different walks of life The ETU is a group of people with similar values all coming together advocating to make change for the better, from workplace conditions to on-the-job safety, often chipping in to help the less fortunate or people doing it tough, all the way to influencing politics with the intent always to help achieve outcomes to better the lives of members and Australia’s working class It truly is a union run by the members, for the members The structure is set up beautifully for this with something being raised at a site visit or subbranch meeting often being pushed right to the top decision-making body of our union, the Biennial Conference or subbranch meetings to have a healthy open debate, which clearly shows every member’s voice and opinion is heard and counts I am proud to be union, even prouder to be part of the MIGHTY ETU!"

Words from his union mates...

Sharkey is the sort of unionist everyone wants in the workplace, at the table and representing members. I first met Sharkey when he was a labour hire worker at TMR years ago.

Big shoes to fill

“Taking over from Wal is a huge step, not only am I in a new role, but I have also taken over from someone who had been here a long time (17years) and is very well respected in the region I am very grateful to have been able to spend some time working beside Wal and it’s clear to see I am being handed over a well organised patch from a very passionate unionist Wal has taken me under his wing and has been showing me around, giving me plenty of tips and pointers”

What drives you?

Fighting and standing up for workers isn’t a job to me, it’s a passion! I have always spoke up and stood up for anyone getting the raw end of the deal Being able to make a difference in someone ’ s life, achieve wins and outcomes for workers is what drives me to get up, keep fighting and give my all for members every day!

Favourite things to do

Liam is a keen fisherman and enjoys the outdoors “Fishing or setting up camp by the creek for the day with the BBQ and the boat along with a bit of wakeboarding would have to be some of my favourite ways to spend a day I also enjoy staying active by mountain bike riding and training/boxing”