I welcome news that Patrick and the Maritime Union have resolved their issues and reached in-principle agreement.



I recognise that this agreement, which relates to employees at Fremantle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, still requires approval by Patrick employees, but this is a welcome development following difficult negotiations.

Bargaining sometimes isn’t easy, however today’s news shows that when parties are willing to sit down and nut their issues out, and when needed, seek the assistance of the independent umpire, positive outcomes are achieved.