Prime Minister threatens maritime strike intervention

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has threatened intervention to protect Australia’s economy from maritime strikes in the lead up to Christmas.

The prime minister also announced a Productivity Commission inquiry into the efficiency of Australia’s maritime logistics system.

It comes as the government closely considers the economic risks posed by strikes, including industrial action at Patrick Terminals which is currently on hold until at least December 10.

“We encourage the parties to this dispute to negotiate in good faith and to resolve their issues to get this sorted,” Prime Minister Morrison told an Australian Industry Group function on Tuesday night.

“But at the same time, I want to assure you that our government will take action, if needed, to protect the Australian economy from serious harm,” he said.

He also said that he wants the commission to report back by mid-2022.

“Having supported our economy strongly on the demand side through the pandemic, our focus inevitably turns to the supply side levers as the economy recovers,” the prime minister said.

“Because it’s those supply side levers that can have such a big impact on inflationary pressures that put pressure on all Australians.”

In a statement, the Maritime Union of Australia called the announcement a “calculated, political attack” by Scott Morrison that was “timed to cause maximum anxiety and fear within the community”.

“We must not let him use wharfies as a scapegoat for his failures,” the MUA said.

“The Maritime Union will continue to negotiate in good faith with employers on the waterfront and advocate for good pay, job security and safety in the workplace for our members, but what we don’t need is Scott Morrison sticking his head in and trying to create conflict on the waterfront in the lead up to Christmas as a distraction from his failure and lies,” the organisation said.

with AAP