Published: 6 Apr 2009
The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Bill Kelty, Government advisor, company director and former Secretary of the ACTU, will tomorrow launch a book that details the series of influential campaigns for democracy by Australia's seafarers and maritime workers.
Mr Albanese has made it clear the Government wishes to raise the profile of the shipping industry. A Shipping Policy Advisory Group has been established to assist the Government prepare its official response to the Rebuilding Australia's Coastal Shipping Industry report produced late last year by a bipartisan parliamentary committee.
Mr Kelty, with trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, has been appointed to work with local employment coordinators in seven regions across Australia as part of a $650 million jobs fund announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Sunday. Mr Kelty will address the role of unions in job security in the face of the developing global Recession.
The book's author is Diane Kirkby, Professor of History and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Latrobe University.
Several of the leaders responsible for the Union's campaigns will be present at the launch, including the SUA's former Federal Secretary, Pat Geraghty and current National Secretary of the MUA, Paddy Crumlin.
WHAT: Launch of "Voices from the Ships" by Diana Kirkby.
WHEN: 5.30pm Tuesday April 7, 2009.
WHERE: Maritime Museum
MEDIA COVERAGE INVITED
Media Contact: Michael Meagher 0410 482367
