Inclusive leadership. Collective strength.

 Kit MacFarlane is the best kind of accomplice. He’s been the most continually supportive Union contact, backing me and other members as we fight for disabled workers rights at Adelaide University. Kit truly lives sharing power. He’s strategic, receptive to learning, knows when to step up, and when to step back for others to take the floor. I’m surprised to find myself saying this about a cis, able, white guy, but Kit is the kind of leader I want for the NTEU. 

I have had the privilege of knowing Kit for many years and have seen firsthand his commitment to supporting every staff member. Kit listens to everyone’s concerns and is always proactive about finding a solution. We are really lucky to have Kit represent all staff in his role within the union. Kit genuinely cares about making a positive difference and I believe he would make an excellent President.

For the past three years I have been working closely with Kit to improve working conditions regarding working at UniSA Online and now at AU Online. We've had to fight continuously for management to recognise their workload obligations to staff, which led to a case in the SA Employment Tribunal (SAET). Kit MacFarlane (former UniSA Branch President) has supported us and the SAET case and tirelessly advocated for better conditions for Online academics. I encourage you to vote for Kit for AU Branch President.

I have known Kit as a strong advocate for teaching and research staff since the early 2000’s, from when he was sessional staff representative of the School of Communication to his current position. He has been consistently proactive, positive, empathetic and effective in providing advice, guidance, representation and advocacy through many changes and restructures, generally and for me personally. Kit has a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, which he applies with great energy.

I endorse Kit MacFarlane’s candidature for president of the NTEU Adelaide University branch and Division Assistant Secretary. Kit is a consultative, empathetic, principled and hard working leader who I would be proud to serve the union alongside.

From my perspective, Kit's long‑standing commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and member‑centred practice has always been clear. He has consistently shown that he listens, communicates openly, and works collaboratively — qualities that matter enormously in a branch that’s rebuilding its structures and identity after the merger. I’ve also seen how deeply he values accessibility and diversity in union spaces, and I believe those strengths would serve members well.

 Kit MacFarlane is the most decent, genuine, approachable, and trustworthy person I know. He is a local hero in his work for the NTEU, because he advocates for what is important to members and represents our voices, not his own agenda. No cause is too small: if something matters to you and affects your wellbeing at work, Kit will fight beside you to achieve a positive solution. I’ve seen how hard he works. I know how principled he is. He doesn’t compromise his integrity to appease senior executives. Kit is the only leader I trust to steer the AU branch in the right direction at this crucial time. Voting for Kit is the single best thing you can do to ensure your rights at work are protected and that the issues that matter to you most in the workplace are prioritised as Adelaide University continues to find its way in an increasingly unstable environment. 

I fully endorse Kit MacFarlane for the Branch President role as he truly embodies all the values that this role requires. He is quick to respond to issues highlighted by union members, makes time for them and is very supportive and understanding. Kit has managed to support me through some serious work-related issues I have not had this much of engagement with any previous presidents.

 I am proud to support Kit MacFarlane as a candidate for Branch President in the NTEU elections. Kit is a committed individual who understands the importance of strong representation, collegiality, and advocacy within higher education. As an NTEU member, I value Kit’s commitment to protecting academic freedom, supporting staff, and building a more equitable university sector. Kit brings thoughtful leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to listening to the concerns of members. I encourage fellow NTEU members to support Kit and the work he is doing to strengthen our collective voice to achieve better outcomes for all staff.  

 I am pleased to have the chance to publicly support Dr Kit MacFarlane for each of the following roles - Adelaide University Branch President, SA Division Assistant Secretary and National Council Rep. Over the last few years I have had reason to contact the NTEU for advice over a number of issues and, on each occasion, Kit has been a constant source of good counsel and excellent support. I regard myself lucky to have been able to draw on his fellowship during trying times. 

 I have known and worked with Kit MacFarlane for more than a decade now. As a colleague, he has always been kind, friendly, hard-working, approachable, and committed to equity for everyone. In his union role, he always goes above and beyond to contest unfair treatment and advocate for the rights of all staff and students too. I am very grateful for everything he has done to support me and everyone on the team. 

 I am delighted to get the opportunity to endorse Kit, Anna and Cécile in the NTEU elections. In my direct and indirect experience with them, they are all strong and highly effective advocates, preserve and enact the human in the university’s stated values, are responsive to members concerns and priorities, and work their hearts out as they advocate for members – individually and collectively.

Kit holds qualities that are rare in leadership these days; care, compassion and real empathy. He listens, uplifts others, and works proactively to deliver the best outcomes for all staff. I have been lucky enough to know Kit over a number of years, and have seen how hard he works and how he backs up his words with his actions. Kit keeps in regular contact with members across the institution without any hidden agenda. This means he has a constant awareness of what staff are experiencing, and he is extremely generous with his time and expertise. We need a strong team to build the Adelaide University branch, and I cannot think of a better team than Kit, Anna, and Cécile to lead us.