What's going on with Ark Tribe?

During the past month Ark Tribe has travelled across Australia visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane, speaking to groups of workers about his situation and the laws which will have him jailed for 6 months if the ABCC has its way.

The solidarity and support he has received has been incredible and he has been left with no doubt whatsoever that workers and other people throughout this land agree and support the principle stand he has taken against outrageous laws which have no place in a democracy > Read More

Christmas message to Australia's leaders

Click here to see a video message to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his deputy, Julia Gillard.

Does the PM need new specs?

The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in welcoming and thanking those who attended the Community Cabinet meeting at Elizabeth High School last night, made a point of praising his own government's economic achievements over the past year.

Ironically, the meeting was held not far from the magistrates court at which Ark Tribe will be facing a sentence of six months jail in less than two weeks time.

Besides other things, the PM pointed out the infrastructure package he and his team had developed which has assisted small business and kept workers employed. He highlighted the Northern Expressway and the bridge his minister had just opened as a good example of what his government is building. Overheard from a worker in the audience was, "I can't remember seeing any of that lot up the front helping us on the job".

Ark Tribe was also observed at the meeting along with about 400 other citizens.

When the Prime Minister had finished his speech, he asked for questions from the good citizens.

Ark Tribe was standing up at the back of the hall with his hand up. All the audience in front of Ark was sitting down. Many questions were asked and each question was meticulously answered by the PM and/or the minister concerned. Ark Tribe remained standing, hand raised hopefully on each occasion.

The PM called for the last question and Ark Tribe, still standing with hand up and everyone seated in front of him, still couldn't be seen by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

One would have to conclude that the PM deliberately ignored Ark or he needs new glasses.

At the conclusion of the meeting I approached Ark Tribe and asked him what question he wanted the PM to answer. He replied with the following: 

"Why is it, that as recently demonstrated by Mr. Turnbull, he like most other Australians can exercise their right to remain silent, yet I as an Australian Construction Worker who only demands the same right, find myself in a situation where your government is trying to imprison me for 6 months?”

“All I want, Mr. Prime Minister, is a fair suck of the sauce bottle mate."

Who's policing the bosses?

You don't have to look too hard on the ABCC's new look website to find out what this coercive and undemocratic organisation is all about. Despite the Federal Government's claim that the ABCC is charged with making construction sites fair and equitable for both employers and workers, their current cases list says it all. Not a single prosecution against an employer to be found.

With the ABCC's powers completely intact under the Federal Government's so-called Fair Work Act, we can look forward to more attacks on union officials and construction workers. Meanwhile, employers are reaping the financial benefits of Rudd's economic stimulus package while continuing to underpay workers, ignore OH&S law, hold back worker entitlements and take advantage of migrant workers.

So who is policing the bosses? Why no one of course, it seems they're above the law.

Ark's Tribe hits the front page

Click here to read the article on the front page of today's Australian.