Questions and Anger

By NR Wanklyn, Union No: 6000703

Asked to explain my feelings about the Destiny Queen? They are basic - questions and anger.

As a deckhand aboard the Port Lincoln based tug Kioloa which carries bunkers and water to the vessel, I am acutely aware of the support role we provide to the ship despite the apparent failure of authorities to apply the relevant regulations.

Invariably frustrated in trying to communicate with the crew on her deck, we constantly ask ourselves how these Chinese and Ukrainians can hold the necessary authorisation to work aboard a foreign registered ship in South Australian waters for a minimum of 12 months.

They have taken the jobs of Australian seafarers under questionable circumstances, pawns in a commercial manoeuvre beyond their understanding.

The term guest worker is erroneous, implying they are welcome when in fact such workers are a threat to fair and reasonable employment conditions.

And yet we have a federal government unabashedly destroying the rights of Australians by facilitating the entry of guest workers.

The Destiny Queen is an example of why all Australians should fear the industrial relations changes. Have our rights to justice already been erased? Where are the investigations to challenge how the regulations and laws have been applied, possibly manipulated and flouted, to allow these foreign seafarers to work in state waters, apparently exempt from SA work place regulations?

The Australian crew was in fact made redundant after the ship sailed to China for a refit. Australian personnel are available but foreigners have the jobs.

In May, SA Transport Minister Patrick Conlon expressed his concern that the Destiny company had clearly found loopholes.

"They are growing abalone in competition with Australian producers without being subject to laws and regulations," he said. "And because they are not making any revenue in Australia, they are not subject to tax laws."

Although cautious of conspiracy theories, one questions whether the Destiny Queen, if not profitable, is a tactical spearhead for its Chinese backers. Do they seek greater access into Australia? Have they a bigger venture in mind? By their current anti-Australian actions they are obviously winning the support and endorsement of the federal government.

Does the government intend to use the Destiny Queen as a lever for other guest worker projects? If Howard wins this battle it will allow easier expulsion of Aussies from many other areas ashore and afloat. For MUA members the principal targets will be the Northwest Shelf and eventually tugs.

State Secretary Jamie Newlyn continues to investigate the anomalies of the Destiny Queen's presence.

Another threat to Australian workers are the four Japanese reefers anchored, at the time of writing, within port limits to load farmed tuna. This has drastically reduced local process worker's opportunities and should also be investigated to assess the legal status of the operations.

Due to the overboard discharge of blood and, allegedly, offal, numerous white pointer sharks are attracted to the area. This predictable outcome is now of such concern the media is warning of the dangers.

The Destiny Queen threatens our lifeblood. Be warned, if the operation is not curtailed it will facilitate commercial sharks throughout our waters. Sharks more vicious, and more merciless to Australian workers than a feeding great white. And be assured our traitorous federal government will cheer their feeding frenzy on.

As we steam out to the Destiny Queen we know that we are sustaining a festering virus which could spread from this one ship with devastating consequences. It is a battle that will erupt and we're on the front line.

NR Wanklyn

Union No: 6000703