Federation Life Member Bill Ballantyne was a courageous unionist and Organiser who led his colleagues in many Federation campaigns. He was never one to walk away from anything he believed was worth fighting for.
He was a passionate advocate of TAFE education and an active leader in the “18:12 Hours” case — which resulted in the reduction of teaching hours for trade and related teachers — and the “Wollongong Dispute” in the 1970s, where he vehemently supported three colleagues who had been stood down.
Bill was a tireless campaigner for equal pay; the Bert Powitt case; the Podiatry accommodation dispute; occupational health and safety legislation; and the removal of “crown privilege” provisions, where he was a Federation representative on the NSW Labor Council and gained its support for removal of these provisions. Additionally, he was a member of the first Dover Heights picket line.
Bill finished his teaching career at Lismore TAFE in 1993 and was awarded honorary life membership of the North Coast Region TAFE TA. While working there, he held the position of Regional President, Secretary and Media Liaison Officer. During this period, he campaigned vigorously in the salaries campaign and TAFE restructuring.
Bill’s experience gave him the ability to communicate with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds. He was in his element with NSW Labor Council delegates, running cases in the Industrial Commission, and on deputations to the Department or politicians.
He was awarded Life Membership of Federation in 1993.
This obituary is based on a condolence speech given by Federation General Secretary John Dixon at August Council.