Hilton Gumbys

Hilton Gumbys is a proud unionist, first-class Machinist and Fitter, and a strong advocate for South Australian workers and their families. Working within the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Hilton has built his life and career in the North Eastern suburbs, where he lives with his wife Rosalind. A husband, father to two and long-time trade union delegate, Hilton understands firsthand how secure work, strong public services and Labor values create opportunity and stability for working families.

Hilton’s journey began with an apprenticeship in 1988 — an experience that shaped his life and instilled a deep belief in the power of skills, training and decent jobs. Throughout his working life, he has fought tirelessly for members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, serving as a workplace delegate and as National Defence and Aerospace Committee Convenor. In these roles, he has stood up for fair pay, safe conditions and dignity at work, and has seen how progressive Labor governments deliver real outcomes for South Australians.

Together with his wife Rosalind — also a fierce advocate for workers — Hilton has raised a family grounded in the values of fairness, solidarity and public education. Both of their children, educated in South Australia’s public school system, have gone on to build successful careers — a testament to the opportunities created by Labor policies.

Hilton has been active in the union movement for decades, including campaigning against the Howard Government’s WorkChoices laws. He is a candidate for the Legislative Council for Labor at the 2026 State Election.