Crew members of iron ore vessels axed by BHP and BlueScope demand Federal Government action to save coastal shipping

CREW MEMBERS of the last Australian vessels operated by BHP and Bluescope are demanding the Federal Government intervene by refusing to issue a temporary license allowing flag of convenience ships crewed by exploited foreign workers to carry iron ore between Port Hedland and Port Kembla.

Almost 80 crew members from the MV Mariloula and MV Lowlands Brilliance were notified this week that the ships would be immediately withdrawn from the coastal shipping route and their jobs axed.

A number of these workers will tomorrow make a public plea to the Morrison Government to use their regulatory powers to save Australian seafaring jobs.

The seafarers will be joined by Maritime Union of Australia Southern NSW relieving branch secretary Mick Cross, along with Member for Cunningham and Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities deputy chair Sharon Bird, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson.

The MUA said BHP and Bluescope were legally unable to use exploited foreign seafarers to carry iron ore between Australian ports without a temporary licence. These licences are subject to ministerial discretion, meaning the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, in his role as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, will ultimately determine whether Australian seafarers remain on these iron ore vessels.

The loss of the MV Mariloula and MV Lowlands Brilliance will see the end of 100 years of Australian merchant mariners carrying iron ore for BHP.

www.mua.org.au

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