Last week I went into court with Ark Tribe and heard his 16-year-old son say he was proud of his dad. And so he should be. Here is a man who has waited nearly two years for his matter to be resolved. This has had a big impact on Ark’s emotional and physical state throughout that period but also his family. For his son Jake, his mum Anne, father Tom and his sister and brother. They don’t understand why a hard working Austrlaian should be dragged through the courts like a criminal for standing up for safety and for his rights at work. Neither do I.

Trial adjourned again

The case was delayed as the magistrate considered and finally ruled against a submission that the ABCC official who brought the complaint lacked the authority to do so. Ark has pleaded not guilty to the charge. There were some further delays which saw the case adjourned to July 20-22.

But on Tuesday June 15, around 1500 people turned up on an RDO after a public holiday no less to again show their support for Ark. It was a great turn out and something the union prides itself on. Solidarity has been paramount during this campaign.

The Day

Proceedings began with a minute's silence to commemorate work mates killed on site before several speakers took to the stage to voice their protest over the ABCC and their treatment of Tribe.

Two of the loudest cheers came for Paddy Hill (Birmingham 6) and Gerry Conlan (Guildford 4). Both had been unjustly imprisoned for many years in the UK before being exonerated. They now dedicate much of their time to opposing miscarriages of justice and unjust laws coming all the way from the U.K to support Ark and voice their disgust at Australia’s repressive laws.

Ark, charged with allegedly failing to attend an ABCC interrogation, was thankful for the support as he took to the podium. He took time to thank his mum Anne and son Jake, who were in attendance, while also saying a big thank you to the CFMEU.

Guard of honour

As a show of solidarity, several members and supporters formed a guard of honour by holding union flags aloft, as Ark and his lawyer Steven Dolphin, made their way to the Adelaide Magistrates court.

Members yelled, clapped and cheered their support as Ark walked past, some offering handshakes and pats on the back as encouragement.

Every time Ark walks into the court, he won’t walk alone - he will have the support of his union, the union movement and thousands of members of the community.

Let’s continue to work to ensure that no-one else ever faces the same ordeal as Ark - that these unjust laws are scrapped.

Dave Noonan, CFMEU C&G Division National Secretary