The Australian union movement expresses sadness at the passing of former ACTU Secretary Peter Nolan.

Peter Nolan gave decades of distinguished service to the union movement and to improving the lives of working Australians and their families.

Peter was Secretary of the ACTU for six years between 1977 and 1983 and went on to serve as a commissioner of the then Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission from 1984 until his retirement in 1997.

Peter Nolan began his service to Australian unions with the Tasmanian Branch of the Printing and Kindred Industries Union.

He was elected ACTU Assistant Secretary in 1975, after serving as Assistant Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council.

Working alongside former ACTU Presidents Bob Hawke and Cliff Dolan, Peter was instrumental in the shorter hours campaign in the late-1970s, the Medicare dispute national stoppage, and negotiations for the Prices and Incomes Accord.

He was known for his amiable personality, and skills as a conciliator.

The ACTU extends its sincere condolences to Peter’s wife Sophie, his family and friends.