Union Boss Howes Joins beyondblue Board

High-powered union boss Paul Howes is to join the board of depression Not for Profit, beyondblue on the invitation of former Victorian Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett.

Now Chairman of beyondblue, Kennett announced that Howes, the National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union, has accepted an invitation to join the Not for Profit Board.

Paul Howes made headlines recently when he clashed with Labor party thinking during a National Press Club speech where he called for a “grand compact” on workplace relations between business, unions and government.

"The beyondblue Board comprises individuals with a diverse range of skills, from medical professionals to laypeople drawn from different backgrounds,” Kennett said.

“We approached Paul late last year because beyondblue values its work with the union movement on our very important National Workplace Program and because we have appreciated Paul’s commitment to improving mental health in the workplace.

“While Paul’s history within the union movement will be very helpful to beyondblue, he brings skills in other areas that will be just as valuable.”

Paul Howes’ initial appointment is for three years.

Howes said he was honoured to be invited to join beyondblue’s Board and contribute to its valuable work throughout Australia.

“beyondblue has achieved much in the short time it has existed, but much more remains to be done in the area of depression and mental health, particularly among men.

“Unfortunately, too many Australian men still see conditions such as depression and anxiety as a sign of weakness and think that getting support for them is a sign of failure.

“I want to use my position as a beyondblue Board Director to help change these attitudes within the union movement and let both men and women know that, while depression and anxiety can affect even the toughest of people, support is readily available,” he said.

Jeff Kennett said beyondblue will be making another appointment soon which will bring commercial skills to the Board.