Source: Australia Government Statements 2
Good morning, everyone.
I’d like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we’ve gathered today, the Kaurareg people, along with all the other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.
I acknowledge your leaders past, present and emerging, and your long history of connection with land and sea.
I’d also like to acknowledge:
- Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of Australia
- Mr Lui Ned David, Chair, GBK Torres Strait Sea and Land Council
- Ms Elsie Seriat, Mayor, Torres Strait Council
- Mr Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt
And all others who are here to commemorate this important occasion.
The Torres Strait Islands have a history shaped by the sea, culture, connection and trade over thousands of years.
And it is a privilege to be here: as the Assistant Minister responsible for both Northern Australia and Pacific Island Affairs, as a Senator for Queensland, and also an Australian committed to fairness and dignity for our workers.
Today, I pay my respects to a significant chapter in the Torres Strait Islands history.
A chapter which represents self-determination, respect and a lasting precedent for equality for Torres Strait Islander people.
As history has often reminded us, strikes do not appear out of nowhere.
They are borne from workers courageously standing against repeated neglect, mistreatment and subjugation.
The events leading up to and during the 1936 maritime strike speak to this courage.
The Queensland pearling industry produced half of the world’s demand for pearl shells by the 1890s and employed 70 per cent of the Torres Strait workforce alongside workers from Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor and the Pacific Islands.
Workers were forced to endure dangerous conditions for no or minimal pay, while companies saw immense profits.
They could not move freely over their own land and sea Country and under the oppressive Governance of the ‘Torres Strait Protector’, workers had to apply to access what little wages they did earn.
This Government-appointed Protector oversaw the ‘company boats’ in the pearling industry.
With the protector imposing more racist restrictions in the lead up to the strike, including curfews and meddling with workers personal finances, and not paying workers with real wages, Torres Strait Islanders took a stand.
In January of 1936, workers on ‘company boats’ went on strike, refusing to man the boats or be recruited by the ‘protector’.
In February, tensions continued to rise.
Police officers jailed 30 men who refused to work on the boats and workers held strong despite being offered a pay increase.
The protestors found allies and supporters among different members of their community.
This included the Anglican Church and the Bishop, South Sea Islanders in Torres Strait and Thursday Island shopkeepers, traders, and townspeople, who had grown to resent the administration which controlled and revoked their source of incomes.
By the end of 1936, Torres Strait Islanders started to witness the success of their hard work.
They achieved the abolishment of the Bu whistle and curfew.
Succeeded in gaining greater day-to-day autonomy, higher wages in actual money -not just credit – for their maritime work.
And were released from the protection system.
Australia has a long history of First Nations people advocating for the right to be represented and participate in decisions that affect them.
Through the Maritime Strike, Islanders advocated for the right to choose how they spent their wages and to have control over their own affairs. And it was remarkable, not only for its scale across the Islands themselves, but also for its discipline and unity.
The 9-month strike dismantled highly controlling measures and led to legislation which recognised Torres Strait Islanders as separate to First Nations groups.
As one of the first recorded strikes by First nations peoples across the continent and paved the way for their right to vote and elect their own local government.
The Maritime Strike represents more than workers fighting for more money.
It was about equality.
It was about respect.
It was about the right of Torres Strait Islanders to manage their own affairs.
Self-determination.
And they won.
Leaving a meaningful legacy.
It sparked a movement that has gone on to shape the history of the Torres Strait, and indeed, the history of Australia.
The Albanese Labor government has great respect for those who stand up for better wages and conditions.
It is an issue particularly close to my heart, as before I was elected as a Queensland Senator, I was an employment lawyer, fighting for workers who were unfairly discriminated against and dismissed.
Our government has its roots in the movements of working people – the Labor party was born out of a shearers’ strike in 1891– and we stand in solidarity with all workers, across all times and places, who have done the same.
This commemoration is an opportunity to pay respect to the lives, fight and successes of Torres Strait Islander maritime strikers.
With its collections and exhibitions, it shines a light on their pride, their courage, and their legacy.
And as we take up the invitation of this event to listen and to learn more about the hundreds of strikers who stood tall in 1936, we can only be inspired.
Their struggle – and their victory – has a rightful place in the story of the Torres Strait, as this story continues to unfold.
I’m honoured to be here today on beautiful Waiben with all of you for this important occasion.
And I am honored to live in Far North Queensland; a part of our nation which has a rich history that tells us the story of what can occur when we stand together and fight for our future.
Eso, thank you, for the invitation.