The TWU is a democratic organisation. Every four years, nominations open for leadership positions, including National Secretary and National Assistant Secretary, and for positions on our governing bodies: the Branch Committee of Management and National Council.

To nominate for a position, you must be a financial member of the TWU. If there are no contested positions, there is no need to hold a vote.

This year, in addition to all the leaders who already hold positions, one person has nominated himself for three positions: National Secretary, Branch Committee of Management and National Council.

At a time of enormous challenges facing the industry, like rising costs, insecure work, unsafe practices and new technology, we must remain strong, united and focused on our clear plan to win.

The only way to build on our successes is with stable leadership with the strategy, skill and reputation to deliver.

It's also important to demonstrate to the clients, employers, gig companies, and lawmakers that we are united and committed to the fight. The best way to do that is with a resounding endorsement of leadership in our election.

The only way to vote is by post. From the 9th November, you will receive a ballot pack in the mail, including the ballot, instructions on how to vote, and a prepaid return envelope.

All states other than Victoria and Tasmania will vote only for the National Secretary position. All you need to do is mark an X in the box next to Michael Kaine, and return your ballot as per the instructions.

Members in Victoria and Tasmania will receive one ballot pack with two ballot papers. One ballot will be for National Secretary - please mark an X next to Michael Kaine. The second ballot will be for the positions on Branch Committee of Management and National Council. All you need to do to retain the current leadership is mark an X next to "Secure the Future team". Do not mark any boxes below the line next to individual names.

The person who has nominated himself for three positions is a Victorian member, which means the governance positions belong to the allocations for Vic/Tas.

To build on our legal and industrial wins, unprecedented membership growth, delegate and HSR structures, improved union resources and training programmes, we need stability, skill and a commitment to the strategy which is proving itself as successful. Any disruption to the Branch Committee of Management or National Council will stall our progress and could send us backwards.

To retain the current leadership, you don't need to vote for any individual positions, you can simply vote for the Secure the Future team.

If you have not received your postal vote pack by 18 November, or have lost your ballot, please contact the AEC to request a replacement by email at IEBevents@aec.gov.au or by phone at 02 9375 6366 or 03 9285 7111.

As this vote depends on the postal system, we recommend you return your ballot as soon as you receive it. All ballots must be received by the AEC by 14th December. Any ballots arriving after this date will not be counted.

Vote early to make your vote count.

Your delegates are the best people to answer any of your questions about the TWU election. If they are unable to help, you can reach out to your TWU branch official.

To speak to someone from Michael Kaine's Secure the Future team, please email info@securethefutureteam.com.au or call 0468 163 550.