Ash van Dijk (right) is stepping down as ACT Labor’s secretary and campaign director. Photo: Facebook.
ACT Labor Party secretary and campaign director Ash van Dijk has less than a month in the role after handing in his resignation.
He came on board more than four years ago, being involved in candidate selections and three elections, which all resulted in Labor success: the ACT 2024 election, and federally in 2022 and 2025.
He now feels the time is right to step aside and let someone else bring some “fresh energy” to the party.
“It’s time for me to have a rest, and I can’t do that while in this role,” Mr van Dijk said.
“This will give the next secretary time to step into the role [now that the election cycles are done].”
ACT Labor president Sue Ducker alerted party members to Mr van Dijk’s resignation in an email.
She said he had played a “vital role” in returning Labor to power, both nationally and at the Territory level.
“His leadership has been marked by discipline, strategic focus, and a deep commitment to building a positive culture across our movement,” Ms Ducker wrote.
“Under Ash’s leadership, we’ve continued to grow into a more diverse, inclusive and professional party. He was also instrumental in ACT Labor’s strong local campaign for YES during the Voice referendum. It was a campaign we can be proud of, even if the national outcome was not as we had hoped.”
Deputy Leader Yvette Berry thanked Mr van Dijk for his support, not just for her, but all ACT Labor members and candidates over the years.
“He will be well missed and hard to replace, which is always the case,” she said.
“It is not an easy job by any means, and Ash has done a really great job.”
Mr van Dijk was previously Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith’s senior advisor and the ACT Regional Secretary for the Community and Public Sector Union.
Mr van Dijk will officially step down from the role on 20 June.
More information will be provided to party members about filling the vacancy.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
