Why VAHPA Pulse exists
VAHPA Pulse exists because allied health professionals care deeply about their union and the role it plays in protecting, supporting, and amplifying our work.
We believe VAHPA should reflect the same care, integrity, and collective strength that members bring to their patients and communities every day — and that means a union that is more democratic, more transparent, and more firmly led by its members.
A union led by its members
A union is not a brand, a building, or a handful of officials — it is its members.
When members feel informed, respected, and involved in decisions, the union is stronger; when they feel shut out or disconnected, trust erodes and it becomes harder to win the outcomes we need.
VAHPA Pulse is running to rebuild a culture where members are at the centre of everything the union does. We want a union where:
The union we’re working towards
VAHPA Pulse is grounded in a simple idea: our union should reflect the best of allied health — care, integrity, evidence‑based practice, and collective strength.
For us, that means a union that is: democratic, transparent, accountable, organised and inclusive. We see this election as an opportunity to reset the culture of VAHPA so it better matches these principles.
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Members have a real say in priorities and decisions, through active structures and genuine consultation.
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Information flows clearly; decisions and finances are communicated openly, not kept at arm’s length.
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Elected leaders are answerable to members and can be held to account between elections, not just once every few years.
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Delegates, activists, and members are supported to build strong, active workplaces.
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The diversity of allied health professions, workplaces, and experiences is reflected in leadership and decision‑making.
What’s different about VAHPA Pulse
VAHPA Pulse is not an outside group or a new organisation — we are VAHPA members who have been organising inside the union because we want it to succeed.
Many of us are delegates, activists, and long‑standing members who have spent years advocating for colleagues, negotiating at workplaces, and supporting campaigns.
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we are running as a rank‑and‑file ticket, not as incumbents protecting the status quo
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we are building this campaign in the open, with members, not behind closed doors
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we are committed to sharing information clearly, even when it is uncomfortable
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we are focused on renewing, not burning down, the union — we want a stronger, healthier VAHPA, not no union at all
Values that guide our decisions
Our plan is built on a set of values that shape how we lead, how we communicate, and how we make decisions.
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Members should shape the direction of the union through real participation, consultation, and shared leadership.
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Trust grows when information is shared openly. We believe in clear communication about decisions, finances, and strategy.
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Leadership should be shared, not concentrated. Delegates, activists, and members across workplaces all have a role to play.
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Good intentions are not enough. The union needs strong systems, processes, and staff support to deliver for members.
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As allied health professionals, we know health is political. We stand for equality, fairness, and collective action that improves our workplaces and communities.
What this means for you
If you are a VAHPA member, this campaign is about giving you a clearer, stronger, more responsive union.
A vote for VAHPA Pulse is a vote for:
→ more say in how your union is run
→ clearer communication and more transparency
→ a union that invests in delegates, activists, and workplace organising
→ leadership that is grounded in the realities of allied health work
We know that many members are busy, tired, and juggling enormous responsibilities. Our goal is not to add more to your plate — it is to build a union that is easier to engage with and more clearly on your side.
Stand with VAHPA Pulse
If this vision for a more democratic, transparent, and active union resonates with you, we invite you to stand with VAHPA Pulse.
You can learn more about our plan, meet the ticket, and find out how to support the campaign in the lead‑up to the election.