
Issue No 112		21 September 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

The Locker Room

Surfing the Wave

Mariners the world over this week commemorate the impact of the global shipping industry on seafarers and our environment - and Australian surfers will help get the message out.

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The MUA will mark World Maritime Day (September 27) with protests, surfing competitions, ceremony & silence for seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.

In Newcastle wharfie and surfer Christian Loades is drenching himself in ï¿½oilï¿½ beside the wreck of the Signa on Stockton beach today at 3pm to demonstrate the threat to our beaches in both war and peace time. And in Wollongong next weekend wharfie and surfer Gary Cauldwell will stage a dramatic protest on the beach at 10am to open the MUA Koori Challenge surfing event. He will emerge from the waves covered as if from an oil spill, drawing attention to the risk substandard shipping poses to our environment. The ceremony opening the surfing comp will also feature Koori dances. The event has attracted top surf talent from all over Australia.

In Sydney a procession of maritime workers retired and seagoing will take part in the traditional march of honour behind a full brass band over the old Pyrmont Bridge to the anchor outside the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour in memory of all those who have perished at sea. Special guest speakers are Rear Admiral Tony Hunt (retired Royal Australian Navy) and Peter Morris, founder of the ships of shame parliamentary inquiry and now chair of the International Commission on Shipping. In Melbourne the union is holding a similar function at the Pollywoodside Maritime Museum with retired Captain Bill Bolitho former ANL chairman as guest of honour.

Mr Morris released a damning report earlier this year exposing the widespread slavery and environmental risks posed by substandard vessels operating in the worldï¿½s deregulated cut throat shipping industry. He is also speaking at a Newcastle function on Tuesday 25 at 11.30am, Club Nova.

Similar events are being staged worldwide as the International Transport Workersï¿½ Federation calls on affiliates to mark the day by highlighting the effects of globalisation on the worldï¿½s seafarers and our environment.

The MUA/ITF safe ships, clean seas campaign has won widespread support from surfing fraternity and celebrities nationwide, with WA protests and surfing contests timed to mark the10th anniversary of the Kirki oil tanker disaster in July. Supporting the campaign is surfing legend longboard national title holder and former world champ Wayne Deane.

MUA beachside protests will continue nationwide during Spring in the lead up to the Federal election to promote public awareness of the environmental dangers posed by the Governmentï¿½s policy of allowing substandard foreign shipping to trade on our

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Issue 112 contents

Interview: Exit Interview
Michael Costa looks back at his 14 years with the Labor Council to chart the highs, the lows and the bits in between.

Parliament: Opening Salvo
In his Maiden Speech, delivered this week, Costa gave vent to his views on immigration, Marx, globalisation and mental health.

Scandals: My Evil Twin
Co-conspirator and 'intellectual soulmate' Mark Duffy recounts the legendary 'Leaked Paper' Affair and how its predictions soon came to pass.

Politics: An Agent for Change
Former secretary Michael Easson argues that Costa was instrumental in redefining the factional balance in NSW in the wake of the Cold War.

Review: The Thoughts of Chairman MC
Neale Towart trawls the collected works of Michael Costa and looks at his love-hate affair with Marx.

Factions: Kyoto Sunset
Naomi Steer - the first left-winger to work at Labor Council in decades - recalls how she discovered the real Michael in a Karaoke lounge.

History: A Proud Tradition
Former Premier Barrie Unsworth argues Costa enters Parliament as the best qualified Labor Council leader ever to make the transition.

Psychology: The Man Behind the Mask
Costa's predecessor Peter Sams argues that behind the bluff facade lay a loyal and caring friend.

Seduction: Michael and Me
Chris Christodoulou recounts how Costa convinced him to cross the factional divide and take up residence in Sussex Street.

Satire: Ode to Leon
Long-time sparring partner, Peter Botsman submits this lyrical tribute to Costa's career.

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» Premature Analysis

» Belly's Turn

» Rally for Peace

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