A world first International First Nations maritime workers conference was held in Sydney last week. Participating in the unapologetically political gathering were First Nations representatives from across Australia, the Pacific and the Americas.
Over several days, delegates discussed the challenges facing Indigenous communities across the waterfront, offshore industries, and beyond. The conference passed a number of powerful resolutions that reflect the urgent need for justice, solidarity, and the structural reforms called for in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The landmark gathering, held on Gadigal Land, provided a platform for First Nations maritime workers to share stories, build transnational solidarity, and chart a path forward to strengthen representation, leadership, and justice across the industry.
MUA Assistant National Secretary Thomas Mayo opened the conference with a call to continue the legacy of solidarity that has long existed between maritime unions and First Nations activists.
“Our union has always stood shoulder to shoulder with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. From fighting for land rights, to backing the Wave Hill walk-off, to supporting struggles for voice, treaty, and truth telling,” said Mayo.
“That legacy now extends across oceans, as we stand with our brothers and sisters throughout the Pacific and into both North and South America and connect our struggles to international movements for justice,” Mayo added.
Central to the conference was the assertion that First Nations people must not only be included in the maritime industry, but lead it. This must be delivered through culturally safe workplaces, fair employment practices, and union leadership.
Delegates reaffirmed their solidarity with struggles from the Pilliga to Palestine, drawing clear links between colonial dispossession, resource exploitation, and systemic racism, both in Australia and globally.
Resolutions called for action on climate justice, First Nations employment, union democracy, anti-racism, and international peace. The conference also demanded stronger representation within the MUA, including the reestablishment of a National First Nations Committee and a dedicated rank-and-file seat on the National Council.
The message from the conference was clear: First Nations maritime workers are organising, building power and taking a stand, not just for their own communities, but for justice everywhere. This is the future of the union movement: inclusive, bold, and led from the front.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin reaffirmed the union’s commitment to building a more inclusive, representative workforce.
“The future of our industry must be built on equity and respect,” Crumlin told delegates. “That means ensuring First Nations workers are not only represented, but leading in their workplaces on the waterfront, at sea, and at the negotiating table.”
The MUA extends its deepest thanks to all who participated, especially to the delegates who travelled long distances to attend, for their courage, leadership, and commitment to collective strength.
ENDS.