MUA Elections 2023

 

The 2023 MUA quadrennial election results are now published. As a former member, I've got not much to say about what is really going on.

I resigned in 1999 when I left the Maritime Industry. The commonwealth doctor approved my application for a DSP and this allowed me to be paid. My father died that year and life was falling apart. I wasn't sleeping and I was putting on weight. I was keeping Surgeon's, Psychologists, Physicians, Psychiatrists, Practitioners and Solicitors employed!

Rumours were circulating in the union about money going missing and we no longer had the Seamen’s Engagement system. Members were disillusioned and some were listening to Pauline Hanson. That's when I left the Maritime Industry.

Among the candidates over 20 years later I recognised a few names still hanging around. I did come across a Facebook page created by dissident members to manipulate fragile voters.

I may have once heard something about the connection between Facebook and Harvard University. Maybe it was invented in the Pentagon!

The members voted out Bob Carnegie who had been around a long time. Bob had a reputation for being honest and he cared about people and the environment. Now he's gone!

I did recognise another name on the ballot. Dave Perry was not successful but I'm not sure if he is the same Dave Perry I knew over 20 years ago. He got into some trouble!

Dave's father was good to me when I sailed on the Esso Gippsland. I liked the way Dave did his job as Union Official. I've never known his side of the whole story so I can't comment.

I wish all those officials all the best and I just hope they care about the Working Class!