We had to Win this One

IR John Graham said the day started with everyone demoralised.

"We all felt the axe over our head. Now we're all going home with a warm glow. The good thing that comes out of it is all these young people have had their first experience of activism. They'll now go on to do great things. It's such an important victory for the union; we had to win this one. The Spirit of Tasmania is now an icon in Sydney Harbour alongside the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. And while she's there she flies the flag for our union, Australian shipping and the people of Tasmania."

Andrew Johnson, steward, Spirit III, was inside parliament house when the decision was announced. "I heard it from the Premier himself. So I know it's not a rumour. There was a lot of uncertainty. It would have been a great loss. It would have broken up our family. I don't just go back to my workmates, I go back to my friends. We know everyone. It's one big family on board."

Second mate Frank Leggett came through the fo'c'sle after many years as an MUA member. He praised the government for taking steps to keep shipping and maritime skills in Tasmania without employing overseas crews: "Spirits on the ship were quite melancholy. Now everyone is stoked. Over the moon. It's not often you win a fight. Everyone was brilliant. The whole turnout was very well done. I think public opinion has been behind us. Everyone who's been on board has let us know how much they love the ship. It's good to have a win for a change. "In the last six weeks the Spirit has been nearly full every single trip. The cargo decks are full. We've carried a lot more freight," he said.

Linsey Robinson, delegate, agreed: "I think it's fantastic. It gives us the time we need to prove the ferry is viable. I work with all the passengers. You hear nothing but happy comments about the ship. I know people are happy and I know the crew are happy. So it's got to work."

Tim O'Shannessey, ship security officer, has been five years with TT line. "It's a part of me now. It's a good ship. It's a good crew. It's a good job. I'd like to stay with the Spirit for the next three years, longer if possible."

Jason Campbell, Deputy State Secretary, stressed it wasn't just about MUA jobs: "It's a magnificent outcome, not just for the crew and the MUA but for the state of Tasmania. The economy has been booming since the ship was brought in. The Spirit brings tourists here and that's what counts."

John Pracy, IR: "Not only was it a good day for the old stalwarts, it was a good day for the younger members. They now have a future."

Jody Larkins said everyone in the parliamentary gallery let out a sigh of relief when the decision to keep the Spirit was announced: "A big thank you from all the members to Mick Wickham and Jason Campbell for all the hard work they've done. They've had a bit of pressure on them this last month and we appreciate all they've done."