National Power Industry Coordinator

Welcome Ben Schmidt

The ETU National Office welcomes Ben Schmidt as the new National Industry Coordinator, looking after the power industry.  

Ben is a qualified Electrical Technical Officer and throughout his extensive career in the electrical trades (from 2006 to 2021) has worked on every Distribution Network in Victoria. Ben has performed high voltage testing and the commissioning of primary plant, distribution network coordination, construction and maintenance projects and fault work.

As a member of the ETU Victorian Branch, Ben has fought for workers in EBA negotiations, industrial disputes, health and safety outcomes, and has worked to improve standards for Victorian electrical workers. 

Ben held the role of ETU Vic Branch Union Delegate and Health and Safety Rep from 2015 to 2022. From 2022, Ben became a Union Official with the ETU Vic Branch, organising in the Power Industry in Victoria – a role he held until becoming the National Industry Power Coordinator with National Office in October this year.

It is fantastic to have someone with Ben’s expertise, experience, and commitment in the electrical trades and union organising and representation take on such a crucial National position.

As the National Industry Coordinator, Ben will be focusing on power and transmission across the country.

As the need to rewire Australia increases, Ben will be working with members across the country to increase ETU membership in power and transmission and work with all ETU Branches to ensure that the 10,000 kms of high voltage transmission line that needs to be built, can and will be built by workers who are highly skilled, in well paid, secure and safe jobs. And as history shows us – well paid, secure, safe jobs are union jobs.

Welcome Ben and the ETU looks forward to working with you in this important role.