Steve Knott AM, chief executive of Australia’s resource industry employer group, AREEA, responds to Dave Oliver’s departure from his position as secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU):

“AREEA and Australia’s resource employers wish ACTU secretary Dave Oliver all the best for the future,” Mr Knott said.

“I have worked closely with Dave for many years and across multiple workplace relations and industry forums, including the National Workplace Relations Consultative Council.

“Away from the media theatrics that often come with workplace relations, unions and employer representatives such as AREEA, share many principles, and often work together towards mutually rewarding outcomes both domestically and abroad.

“Dave has made a very solid contribution to employment in Australia over three decades, including in his time as head of the ACTU.

“While AREEA and the ACTU often have opposing views on workplace relations, no one could ever question Dave’s professionalism, commitment and passion serving the union movement and its members.

“We wish him and his family all the best.”