Labor leaders' pledge to Stolt crew

Opposition leader Kim Beazley has written to the crew of Stolt Australia promising to enforce the Navigation Act and restrict foreign vessels carrying Australian coastal cargo. The Labor leader also promised to rip up extreme laws that penalise workers with fines and prison for trying to protect their jobs. Mr Beazley wrote

Dear Friends,

I want to acknowledge the fight you're in to protect your jobs as Australian seafarers aboard one of the few remaining Australian-flagged vessels.

You are not just defending your rights at work, you are defending an Australian shipping industry that has been decimated under the Howard Government.

Opposing you is the Howard Government with its anti-Australian shipping policies and draconian industrial relations laws.

The Howard Government has practically destroyed the Australian shipping fleet by permitting foreign-flagged vessels, including Flag of Convenience vessels, to trade on our coastline in preference to Australian-flagged vessels like the Stolt Australia.

The Howard Government permits many foreign-flagged vessels crewed by assorted nationals to carry dangerous goods around the Australian coastline, including explosive-precursors like ammonium nitrate. These crews are subject to minimal security vetting by Australian authorities.

A Federal Labor Government will enforce the provisions of the Navigation Act that give preference to Australian-flagged vessels on the coastal trade and will prevent foreign-flagged vessels carrying dangerous goods around our coast.

As Prime Minister I will rip up the extreme laws that threaten you with massive fines and jail terms for protecting your jobs and standing up for Australian shipping.

Yours sincerely

Kim Beazley