Day 2: Message from Rights on Site team.

It was lawyers at twenty paces in in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this afternoon - but it didn't last long.

Ark's barrister argued that the case brought by the ABCC was invalid. The Magistrate then called for written submissions from both sides.

The Court sat again today. Then his Honour let us know that he needed more time to consider the submissions. The long and the short of it is that we'll be back at 10am (Adelaide time) on Friday 18 June and the Magistrate will rule on the first argument.

A frustrating but necessary process. We hope to have some good news to report Friday morning.

Thanks for all your support!

Dave Noonan and the Rights on Site Team

Ark Tribe Trial: Day 1

Across the country, thousands rallied in support of Ark Tribe yesterday.

Thank you for your support.

Inside the Adelaide Magistrate's court, lawyers began their defence of Ark Tribe, a normal construction worker accused of nothing more than failing to attend an interrogation by the Construction Star Chamber for the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

Ark's lawyers argued that the ABCC had not correctly begun the prosecution - because the person authorising the prosecution did not have the power to do so. As a result they said the charges should be thrown out.

Lawyers for the Commonwealth DPP contested the argument and the magistrate moved for an adjournment. Both sides will now make written submissions on the matter, with the court reconvening today, Wednesday 16th June at 2pm.

It is expected that the magistrate will today make a determination on this particular issue. If the arguments of Ark's lawyers are upheld, the case will end. If not, it will continue with both sides making arguments on substantive issues.

Workers, members of the broader community and unionists, were out in force outside and inside the court in support of Ark and against the ABCC. If Ark goes in, construction workers across the country will go out.

Come to Victoria Square at 1.30pm today to show your solidarity with Ark as his trial enters Day 2.

Support Ark Tribe this Tuesday, June 15th

In five days time construction worker Ark Tribe will face judgement at the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Ark may be the first rank and file worker jailed for standing up against the undemocratic and coercive powers of the Australian Building & Construction Commission (ABCC) and he needs our support.

Join hundreds of supporters, including Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four, at the Ark Tribe Embassy at Victoria Square at 8.15am on Tuesday morning, June 15th, 2010.

Bring placards, banners, friends and workmates as Ark Tribe stands tall for the workers of Australia.

Lawyer Stephen Dolphin and others talk about Ark's case

Follow this link for the latest video in the Ark Tribe campaign.

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

ABCC asks ACTU intervene

It's hard to believe and somewhat pathetic, but it seems the ABCC are getting desperate. It was revealed today that the watchdog's commissioner, John Lloyd, has written to the ACTU requesting it intervenes in a construction site dispute in outer Melbourne.

It's alleged that CFMEU members at the new Melbourne wholesale fruit and vegetable markets are running a picket at the site, apparently ignoring Federal Court orders. Whether this be true or not, such a move from the ABCC shows they will go to any lengths to prevent workers taking industrial action, including groveling to the union peak body!

Here at Ark's Tribe we can only surmise that the out of favour Mr Lloyd has lost his direct line to Gillard and is trying his luck elsewhere. Check your letter box Ark, you may just have new mail.

Lloyd tells bosses to "get tough"

Outgoing ABCC boss John Lloyd demonstrates his hatred of unions and workers in this piece in today's Australian. Under the Lloyd-managed anti-worker regime, unions and their members are targetted while bosses are, by and large, given the green light to continue unsafe practices in order to turn a profit.