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Peter joined the union in 1969. A turning point in Peter’s life came in 1972 when he was the victim of an armed hold-up at the bank where he worked. This traumatic event fueled a lifelong commitment to helping others who were in need and had suffered through trauma. 

He began working with the Commonwealth Bank Officers’ Association (which later became the Finance Sector Union Commonwealth Bank branch) and eventually became our union’s NSW State Secretary in 1984, a position he held until his retirement from the union movement. 

Peter’s passion for social justice extended to public service beyond the union movement. He was preselected as the Australian Labor Party candidate for the state seat of Heathcote in 1988, campaigning strongly for gun reform. Although he was unsuccessful, he remained an active member of the local Labor Party branch for many years. 

It was Peter’s personal experience as a bank officer that shaped him as a trade union official. Peter led countless campaigns against the CBA, including the fight against outsourcing of the bank’s technology department, prosecuting the bank (and winning) better safety and security practices, and standing up against the CBA’s anti-worker/union strategies, including the introduction of Australian Workplace Agreements under WorkChoices.

Peter dedicated himself to improving the rights of workers in the Commonwealth Bank and in October 2005 was acknowledged with life membership of the FSU.  

Peter was a courageous leader who was principled and loyal to his members, his union and his party. 

Vale Peter Presdee. 
5 June 1947 – 18 April 2025