ABC News Daily The secrets of John Howard’s war on the docks
Apr 2, 2025
Join Jan Fran, host of 'Conspiracy? War on the Waterfront,' as she unpacks the complex 1998 waterfront dispute that transformed Australia’s labor landscape. Discover how John Howard's government played a controversial role in the dismissal of 1,400 dock workers, and the schemes behind replacing them with non-union labor. Jan reveals hidden insights from Peter Reith's diaries, exposing a government agenda notorious for its disdain for unions. Holistic and riveting, this discussion uncovers forgotten truths about power, politics, and workers' rights.
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The 1998 Waterfront Dispute
- On April 8, 1998, Patrick Stevedores locked out 1,400 wharfies and replaced them with security guards.
- This sparked intense protests and displays of civil disobedience from the workers and their families.
Howard's Waterfront Reform
- John Howard, then Prime Minister, aimed to reform the notoriously inefficient waterfront.
- Chris Corrigan, head of Patrick Stevedores, secretly planned to replace the unionized workforce.
Secret Workforce Training
- Corrigan's plan involved recruiting ex-army personnel through ads in an army magazine.
- The recruits were to undergo training in Dubai for new shipping qualifications, all kept secret.