Aviation apprentice to ardent advocate
As Australia’s longest-serving national union leader, Stephen Purvinas is committed to being a voice for his members.
With a desire to better serve and support the workers he represents, Mr Purvinas recently graduated from CQUniversity with a Bachelor of Laws, upskilling the industry leader with the legal expertise and formal qualifications he needed.
As the National Secretary of the trade union for aircraft engineers, Mr Purvinas said the practical legal training and registration as a solicitor underscores his role.
“I am involved in a wide range of tasks where comprehensive knowledge of the law is an advantage,” Mr Purvinas explained.
“This includes representing members in Courts, negotiating wage agreements, dealing with media, making presentations to Australian Senate committees, negotiating international aviation treaties, and anything else that members may be concerned with.”
Mr Purvinas began his career at 16 with an apprenticeship at Qantas, but said he gradually found himself drawn into the politics of union representation.
“Initially I worked in aviation engineering until I was elected as leader of the union, a role that saw me leave the airline to focus solely on representing others working in the industry.
“I have now held that position for 18 years,” he said.
“As our union is fairly small with around 2000 members, it is important to be multiskilled and ensure optimal utilisation of our workforce.
"One of our biggest costs is legal expenses and studying law I meant I could bring outsourced legal work in-house."
Mr Purvinas said the flexible options and suitable electives offered at CQUniversity helped him balance the complexities of legal education with the demands of his role.
"I was fortunate to study each class alongside a workmate so we could bounce ideas off each other. We also joined a great study group with four other students we met in classes.
“The quality of the lecturers could not have been better," he added.
“Attending lectures for valuable insights and exam tips helped to make the process smoother.”
While completing his studies marked a personal milestone for Mr Purvinas, the passionate advocate said he hopes to continue effecting positive change in the aviation industry for many more years to come.
“I am proud to serve the members of my union with my new qualification and will continue for as long as they allow me to.”
CQUniversity Senior Lecturer and Barrister, Dr Victoria Lambropoulos congratulated Mr Purvinas on his commitment to continuous learning and upskilling to effect positive change.
“I have witnessed Stephen's commitment to learning firsthand, and with his new qualification, I have no doubt he will continue to make significant contributions to the aviation sector.
“I look forward to seeing the impact he continues to make in the years to come."
