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Electrical
news
Farewell Graeme Watson,
industry stalwart
By Alison Aprhys
LOOKING for the positive, working through
challenges, aiming to make the industry
safer and assisting younger people achieve
their goals have been the mantra for industry
stalwart Graeme Watson.
After 42 years in the electrical sector Graeme,
who is 65 years young, retired in July but he plans
to continue to accentuate the positive into the next
stage of his life.
“Dad told me when I was a young boy to
never do things by halves,” he said. “He said
always put your best into something, give it
100 per cent.”
This advice has seen Graeme rise from
the ranks of linesman into key union roles, while
working as director of a training organisation.
Well-known as one of the people behind the
industry code of practice, the Blue Book, Graeme
developed a robust mix of experience, skills and
leadership from what he describes as “the school
of hard knocks”.
“My philosophy is always find a solution
to the problem,” he said. “It’s been quite a journey
and I’m proud of what I have achieved.”
Graeme, who is a life member of the ETU,
started his working life in the construction sector
when he was just 13.
“I could not stand learning about life in a
classroom, as I wanted to be out there, so I left
Caulfield High School a bit earlier than I should
have,” he said.
However hungry he was to experience the
world of work, Graeme soon discovered that life
outside school was a bit tougher than anticipated.
“I started out in the construction industry toting
concrete and laying tiles and I thought, this is
killing me.”
When his father suggested a change
of career, Graeme listened.
“My dad steered me into the power industry,
but I did not have any qualifications, so I went
off to learn to be a linesman which was only
considered a skilled job back in 1967,” he said.
“Linesman were finally recognised as a trade
in 1969 in Victoria and it grew from there.”
Raised in a union household, Graeme
decided to join the Electrical Trades Union despite
apprentices being actively discouraged.
He recalled how taking out membership in
those days was tantamount to asking your boss
to show you the door.
“I joined the union three months after starting
work as a linesman and was threatened with the
sack as apprentices were not supposed to join.
“But I came from a very union-orientated
family background, even though my boss
threatened me, I became the assistant shop
steward in my second year.”
He said it is important to stand up for what
you believe in. “You either fight for improvements
or run. I always chose to fight.”
A lifetime of service: ESV Director Paul Fearon (left) presents Graeme Watson with a certificate
of appreciation for his 42 years contribution to the electrical sector.
Graeme said it was an exciting time in the
industry, as technology rapidly developed and
the ETU’s numbers rose.
“So from that period until now, I’ve been a
shop steward and active in the ETU and watched
the union become the most active and biggest
in the country,” he said.
“When I was young, I saw plenty of people
experience tough times and I thought it was wrong
that people had to struggle so hard.”
Despite leaving school early himself, Graeme
firmly believes education and training are key
to being a professional tradesperson.
“Ironically, after spending 10 years as a line
worker, I ended up in this industry as the managing
director of a training firm,” he said.
“So I was convincing young people to stay
in school and get a trade or a profession.”
Graeme joined the ETU as a state official
for the power industry in 1978, then moved
up to be a national industrial officer in 1991.
“After the privatisation of the power industry,
the union created a private company, Electrical
Electronic Industry Training Ltd, and its principal
role was to bring industry, union and government
together,” he said.
Although he has retired, Graeme was persuaded
to retain his role as branch treasurer and sit on the
executive, where his experience will prove valuable
in dealing with expected changes to funding.
In the years 1991 to 1998, Graeme worked
on the power industry’s training package and was
a founding member of the National Skills Council.
In 2000 he was humbled to receive a Centenary
Medal for services to industry.
One area Graeme feels he made a significant
difference was his contribution to The Code of
Practice on Electrical Safety for Work on or Near
High Voltage Electrical Apparatus, otherwise
known as the Blue Book.
“When I was nominated by the union to be
on the Blue Book committee I embraced this
project,” he said. “I’m proud how Victoria is the
country’s only state with this Code of Practice
and I’ve had the opportunity to work with
wonderful people like Loc Vuong (ESV), who don’t
get the acclimation but do the hard yards.”
ESV Director Paul Fearon said Graeme had
made an important contribution through his work
on the Code of Practice.
“The Blue Book committee was fortunate
to have had Graeme’s industry expertise through
a critical period that saw a significant improvement
in electrical safety,” he said.
Graeme said he’s most proud to have passed
his power passion on to his children.
“I’m the only lineworker in my family, my
sons are electricians and licensed electrical
contractors,” he said. “And one of my three
beautiful sisters is married to a sparkie and her
son is one too.”
Graeme now plans on channelling his time
and energy into fishing, his bonsai collection
and exploring the great outdoors.
“I went into my shed the other day and
realised I have 38 rods, 42 reels, and only two
hands – so I’m planning a big fishing trip.”
There’s no doubt that Graeme will be
embracing his retirement with as much relish
as he did his career.