Joe de Bruyn

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Joe de Bruyn (born 1949), is an Australian trade union official. He is currently National Secretary and Treasurer of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), a Vice-President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and a member of the National Executive of the Australian Labor Party (ALP).

The SDA, which covers workers in the retail sector, is considered a right-wing trade union, particularly on social issues.[1] It is the single most powerful voting block at ALP conferences,[1] giving de Bruyn an important voice in the policy of both the ACTU and the ALP. De Bruyn is a leading figure in the right wing faction of the ALP.

Born in the Netherlands, de Bruyn is a Catholic and social conservative.[2] He opposes abortion, stem cell research, and lesbians gaining access to IVF treatment.[3] In 2000, de Bruyn was instrumental in forcing the ALP to grant a conscience vote on the stem cell issue.[4]

De Bruyn publicly supported Prime Minister John Howard's moves in August 2000 to change the Sex Discrimination Act, allowing Australian states to restrict lesbians from receiving IVF treatment.[5]

In 2002, de Bruyn opposed Labor leader Simon Crean's attempts to increase the quota of women pre-selected to winnable Federal seats. [4] Said de Bruyn:

"I'm not persuaded we need a change. Women have reached senior positions in the party on their own merits." [4]

On 25 October, 2003, former Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam launched a public attack on de Bruyn, saying: "Joe de Bruyn is a Dutchman who hates dykes."[3][1] In 2007, de Bruyn was a lone but vocal critic of the policy for a federal same-sex relationship registry during the 2007 ALP National Conference.[6]

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[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Another Let's-Attack-A-Minority-Group-Wheel of Fortune, by John Howard. The Sydney Morning Herald (2004-7-30). Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  2. ^ Delegates battle to present a unified front. The Age (2007-04-27). Retrieved on 2007-11-22.
  3. ^ a b Rubbing shoulders with royalty - ALP royalty. The Sydney Morning Herald (2003-10-27). Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  4. ^ a b c Right to oppose Crean policies. The Age (2002-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  5. ^ Labor under pressure to change IVF policy. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2000-08-10). Retrieved on 2007-11-18.
  6. ^ Labor backs legal rights for same sex couples. Sydney Morning Herald (2007-04-28). Retrieved on 2007-12-31.