Published: 11 Feb 2011
MUA youth meet with ministers to discuss changes to MSIC card.
Dean Summers reports on the highly successful MUA delegation to Canberra to discuss the possible changes to Maritime Security. The 5 members of the MUA youth, following up on the Brisbane conference resolution, joined Dean in Parliament House over two days, 9th-10th February.
The objective was to meet with every member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement who are conducting an inquiry into the effectiveness of the MSIC card to fight organised crime.
The youth committee understood that the MUA support the introduction of the MSIC on a counter terrorist basis but are concerned that the debate has now shifted to crime fighting. Australian crime agencies are well funded and resourced so it remains our position that while there may be links between some crime and terrorism, National Security should have it’s own focus.
Nathan Niddrie NNSW, Amanda Cazaly TAS, Nikolas Pedler SA, Trent Sykes NSW, and James Crookall QLD were highly professional in articulating the union’s concerns for the possible impact on what is now a “Right to Work” card for all MUA members.
In addition to visiting all of the available 10 member committee of Federal members and Senators the team also had the opportunity to discuss the issues with Minister Brendon O’Connor.
Dean Summers will appear before the committee next Thursday 17th February in Canberra however the time and detail delivered by the MUA team has underscored the importance of considering workers rights in every decision made in the national security debate.
The MUA should be very proud of the way these fine young members have conducted themselves and by the way they represented us all at the highest level of political power in Australia, congratulations comrades.
