Speeches, articles, etc, about PSA

John Robertson is Secretary of New South Wales Labor Council

"I thought long and hard about how to portray all that is Maurie O'Sullivan in a reasonably short speech. But reasonably short speeches and Maurie are not natural bedfellows.

What do you say about someone so passionate, so erudite, with such a comprehensive knowledge of the testaments and an uncanny ability to quote the appropriate passage for every industrial occasion.

Everyone who knows Maurie appreciates his gift for the blarney - delights in his wit and considers themself lucky when they witness one of his sprays.

But those who have spent time with Maurie know that behind the wit, lies a leader of substance, who has dedicated his working life to serving the public and public servants. In the end I have decided to honour Maurie with his own words.

Over the years Maurie has sent literally hundreds of official letters to the Labor Council - and there has never been a suggestion that the author was anyone but Maurie.

As secretary, part of my job is to read all correspondence and Maurie has been responsible for some of my finest moments on the soapbox.

I'll just refer to a few of these:

The first gives a real insight into Maurie's passion when he defended National Parks and Wildlife Officers who were under fire from National Party MP Peta Seaton for the culling of feral horses.

Maurie dubbed her "the Patron Saint of Feral Animals" and went on to write: "I have listened to the Member for Southern Highlands talk about dropping some food which would make the wild horses sexually impotent. However, she appears to fail to realise that it is not wild horses testicles or ovaries that are damaging the Parks, it is their hooves."

Another is a forwarded copy of a letter sent to the General Secretary of the NSW Branch of the ALP in relation to staffers in the offices of Labor MPs who were not members of the PSA. This letter shows Maurie's loyalty to the PSA and his capacity not to mince his words.

"It infuriates me to see those people take advantage of Labor Party positions and yet defy the Labor Party rule which tells them to join the relevant trade union. Indeed I am so pissed off that I intend to gradually out them."

The letter, written in December 2001 was picked up by the Sun-Herald and Maurie demonstrated he was also a man of compassion when he said to the reporter he would wait to begin publicly identifying staffers who have not joined the PSA. "It's a time of goodwill, but if nothing happens they will be outed."

This next one is Maurie at his best.

The PSA has members right across the public sector including Dubbo and Taronga Park Zoo. In October 2001 Maurie wrote to Labor Council about a dispute at Taronga Park Zoo. The dispute related to concerns the union had over the occupational health and safety of their members at the Zoo.

The letter read in part: Our members contribute an incredible amount of their own time to the care and to the love of their animal charges."

He went on to write: "The PSA is not into population control, gorilla or any species. We are, however, having a few thoughts about the dangers involved in the masturbation of male gorillas. We would not be encouraging our members to encounter tenosynovitis of the wrist. We are concerned about the welfare or our members, men and women, as is every honest trade union. There are several issues of OH&S at the zoo which we want to resolve and, irrespective of the procreation of the gorilla population, can I say that we are not a union of wankers."

Maurie later famously dubbed the incident 'Gorillas in the Fist'.

Maurie has a knack of using his wit to drive home a serious point and gain the attention of people when it matters. This was best demonstrated in two letters received by Labor Council in October and November 2001 over the workers' compensation reforms.

The first read in part: "How is it expected that some person must suffer 20% of body injury to seek some compensation at Common Law is way beyond me. What is 20% of a body - is it 17 fingers, is it three legs, or is it a scrotum and a half? How seriously, really, must somebody be injured so that he or she can legally claim some justice? John, there is no way my union will accept this proposal. Not only will my union not accept this proposal, but every day of my life I shall oppose it in one way or another."

And then this: "I have just now returned from the Industrial Relations Commission watching a woman give evidence where clearly the secondary psychological injury she is suffering sticks out like canines testicles. It is a tragedy that has been discarded in the new legislation."

Maurie just has a way with words.

But Maurie O'Sullivan, apart from being an articulate scribe of letters, is also known for his use of, shall we say, colourful language. This is something most of us in this room already knew, but I have discovered it's on the public record. In proceedings before his Honour Deputy President Sams, under cross-examination there was the following exchange between Maurie and Anthony Britt.

"Q. Did you use the word 'fucking' in the hotel?
A. No.
Q. Is that a word that you use?
A. Sometimes.
Q. When do you say you use it?
A. In jovial conversation.
Q. And is that the only circumstance?
A To embellish an adjective."

Now up until I read this transcript I thought Maurie was always honest and under oath I expected he would have told the truth. But Maurie, to say you only use the word at issue to embellish an adjective is not the truth. We have all heard you use that word as an adjective on numerous occasions.

Over my period as Secretary of the Labor Council I have got to know Maurie very well.

In my early days as Assistant Secretary I got an invite to lunch with Maurie at the Bowlers' Club. I thought that I had made it with Maurie on receiving the invite but it was only on the second lunch at the Bowlers that I was initiated in Maurie's traditional way, Crown Lager and his favourite dish, Prawns and scrambled eggs. This is a Chinese meal I will never forget.

More recently Maurie was part of Labor Council delegation to Rengo Tokyo with Barry Johnson, Bob Hayden and Mary Yaager.

If you have been to Japan you would be aware that communication can be a problem. Much time on these delegations is spent nodding politely and drinking sake. The official toasts and responses can be stilted affairs.

But not for Maurie, undeterred by the language barrier Maurie recited a poem in Gaelic that neither delegation nor host understood. But he delivered it with such verve that he r eceived a standing ovation for his efforts.

In Japan, Maurie also took to wearing a traditional head-scarf to official functions, always drawing much mirth from the locals. It later emerged that the Japanese inscription read: "Kamikaze'.

Maurie, on a personal note I will miss you terribly, especially your comradeship and your support for me as Secretary of the Labor Council.

I will never forget your support enduring my baptism of fire as Labor Council secretary, when the union movement backed PSA members in this building to draw a line in the sand over workers compensation.

You were part of the group that wore a track from the back gates of Parliament down to the soccer posts for another discussion during a day that changed the dynamics in the relationship between the political and industrial wings of the labour movement in this state.

It was also significant that you led your union at a time when the factional walls were eroding and it's a sign of your standing that many leaders of unions from across the factional divide are present tonight.

You are one of a number of key union leaders who have led the union movement through a difficult period - building ties across the movement by the sheer strength of your personality.

There may have been people in the labour movement who have disagreed with you from time to time, but there are very few who have not relished the experience of working with you.

So, on behalf of the Labor Council and the union movement in New South Wales I want to thank you for your contribution to the activities of the Labor Council and the movement as a whole.

I hope that you and Joanne have a long, healthy and happy retirement. I also hope that you will continue to contribute and participate the activities of the Labor Council and the trade union movement in you retirement.

Maurie you are one of the true characters of the movement and you will be sadly missed by all.

Justice Jeff Shaw of the NSW Supreme Court reminisces on his dealings with the PSA in his role as employee, solicitor, barrister and Attorney General. This speech was given to the Annual Conference of the Public Service Association of New South Wales on 30 May, 2003.

When I first attended the Gladesville Branch of the Australian Labor Party in 1968, I began to have conspiratorial discussions in the dark surroundings outside the Masonic Hall with Warwick McDonald, who was then a federal research officer with the Miscellaneous Workers Union.

Warwick (whom I later appointed as the Director General of the Department of Industrial Relations in New South Wales) urged me to take a number of political stances.

He said we should do everything to support Bob Hawke becoming the President of Australian Council of Trade Unions. Secondly, he urged me to become the Branch's delegate to the ALP Youth Council (as it was then called) to support the candidacy for President of the Council of John Edwards, who was later to become a key adviser to Paul Keating, now a leading economic consultant. McDonald thought that these were both progressive moves and his advocacy was persuasive.

Subsequently, McDonald resigned from the MWU and became an Arbitration Officer (a somewhat odd job description) with the Public Service Association Service of New South Wales. He invited me into his office to have a chat about my future options at the old PSA location at Castlereagh Street, now occupied by the Scientologists. He encouraged me to apply for the position of Assistant Arbitration Officer in 1972. And so I did.

A number of people were appointed on the same date. Lance Wright (now the President of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW), Jim Mahoney who went on to practise law in South Australia and Andrew Watson who went on to establish a public relations firm and to form affiliations with the Liberal Party.

We all resigned after about two years with the PSA to go on to different things. As a reaction to these departures, the PSA advertisements for staff indicated that academic qualifications were not necessary for the industrial officers' jobs. However, I think, putting aside all idiosyncrasies, that the PSA got pretty good service from myself, Mahoney and Watson during those admittedly short two years. It is axiomatic that it got excellent service from Justice F L Wright as he now is. We were all aggressively ambitious and hard working. I worked as part of the Government Agencies Division as the junior officer to F L Wright and Wayne Haylen.

I was given the opportunity to do some advocacy, for example, in relation to the grain handlers employed at the Grain Handling Authority. I recall going down to appear for the members before the then Senior Conciliation Commissioner Sid Wells quite regularly to complain about various matters. Wells seemed to think that many of these complaints were rather trivial and eventually took us aside to ask, in his chambers, of the delegates what was the real problem. Wages, they said. That was the first I had heard of it. Sid said that there should be a work value case conducted forthwith to deal with this question of remuneration, and so it was. The case was commenced in the next week.

The result was a huge win for the employees, an increase of $24.00 per week which was, in its time, impressive. The delegates gave me a clock as a result of my efforts which played Greensleeves which I gave to my mother. This was my first real and seminal experience of work value cases and their utility in creating industrial peace.

When I left the PSA I joined as a graduate articled clerk their then solicitors, W C Taylor and Scott. That firm had had a long history of acting for trade unions. They had always employed an industrial relations specialist. The first known to me was David Ross, the son of Lloyd Ross (Secretary of the Australian Railways Union, New South Wales Branch) and who had died in somewhat strange circumstances following some altercation at Kings Cross. Ross was followed by Michael Sweeney who became a judge of the Industrial Commission of NSW. Sweeney was followed by Bob Manser who became a judge of the Workers Compensation Commission. I took Manser's job in 1974. The subsequent occupants of that role within the firm were Lance Wright who took over from me and Conrad Staff who took over from Justice Wright. An interesting enough group.

Whilst at the PSA I had been given the opportunity of advocacy not only in relation to the grain handlers but also in relation to a demarcation dispute which involved a difference with the Health and Research Employees' Association (HREA) about the coverage of medical technologists. That was my first case before a judge of the Industrial Commission (Sheldon J) when I was successful in arguing against Michael Sweeney, who was then a barrister, that the medical technologists were within the registered rules of the PSA because they had the status of a "scientific officer."

Regrettably, that judgment has never been reported but it has been noted for stating that in relation to demarcation disputes between trade unions that constitutional coverage is the sine qaa non, but is not the be all and end all of the case. Justice Sheldon also noted my submission that the position of the HREA was "simplistic", a submission which he stigmatised as that "simplistic" is a vogue term which means too simple by half.

Once employed as an articled clerk for the firm acting for the PSA I was faced with a difficult situation in relation to administrative and clerical salaries. This occurred at the end of 1974. Commonwealth salaries had increased, and understandably the PSA wanted a flow-on of that increase for their own clerical officers. The President of the Industrial Commission (Justice Beattie) wanted to bring the matter on quickly, that is in the early days of January 1975. In those days, there were few competent counsel who could be briefed in industrial matters, and those available to me were Michael Sweeney and Rodney Madgwick. But neither could appear at that stage being (understandably) on Christmas holidays.

I had just been married, but an adjournment application was unsuccessful and hence I had to explain to my new wife I would need to appear for the PSA in that case. I did so, successfully, obtaining an interim increase in salaries of clerical officers with the President of the Commission, Justice Beattie, commenting that the PSA would not need to be so concerned about the briefing of counsel in future matters (see Crown Employees (Administrative and Clerical Division Officers Award): (1975) AR (NSW) 1]

In subsequent years, I appeared for the PSA as a barrister, and I value that past relationship.

The PSA plays a vital role in the industrial relations of NSW, representing a wide variety of public servants and in my view it has done so in a competent, professional manner. I wish the PSA well in its future endeavours and thank it for the opportunity to speak at this conference.

Tributes from Peter Loxton, Gerry Adams, Greg Combet, John Watkins, Jenny George and Paddy Crumlin

Maurie,

This is just a quick note to say congratulations and farewell. Unfortunately I will be away on holidays next week, so I won't be able to mark your retirement. It is widely recognised that you have done great work for public sector workers and the Union movement.

I have personally always appreciated your directness and honesty. Maybe it is a sign of my age, but I have also appreciated the fact that you have both passion and humour and are one of the great characters in what appears to me to be a fairly bland landscape. Even though it has not always been comfortable on our side of the table, I have always enjoyed working with you.

Congratulations on your great contribution, and my very best wishes for the future.

Sincerely,
Peter Loxton
(Assistant Director General, Premiers Dept)

Maurie a chara

On the occasion of your retirement, might I express the heartfelt gratitude that I share with colleagues in Sinn Féin for all that you have done on our behalf over a period of many years.

Your contribution to Irish Republican solidarity in Australia can be traced to the hunger strikes of 1981.

This was a traumatic period for all supporters of Irish Unity and Independence. However, it was, on reflection, a time that generated a renewed interest and understanding, both at home and abroad, of Irish political affairs. It became immensely significant that many people such as yourself, Maurie, became involved at this time in efforts to promote Irish republican objectives.

The one thing that has always been clear is that international opinion is vitally important in respect of applying maximum pressure on the British Government. Were it not for the depth of international opinion created by the strenuous efforts of Irish republican solidarity activists throughout the world, the Irish Peace Process - and republican struggle - would not be as advanced as it is today.

Against such a backdrop we, in Ireland, owe a huge debt of gratitude. At a personal level Maurie, I must acknowledge that the successful visits both Martin McGuinness and myself made to Australia resulted in no small way from your assistance.

Maurie, I trust that your retirement will be long and happy. I know that retirement is possibly not an appropriate term in this instance cause you will remain a significant voice within the Australian labour movement and a true dedicated advocate of Irish freedom.

Go raibh mile maith agat,
Gerry Adams, MP,
President Sinn Fein

I would have liked very much to have been able to catch up with Maurie on this important occasion but unfortunately I am not able to attend.

I would appreciate it if you could personally pass on my best wishes and regards to Maurie - he is one of the great contributors and characters of the Australian Labor Movement.

Maurie's contribution is notable not just for its longevity but also its passion. He has worked hard not just for members and workers in his own union but for others who have called on and needed his assistance.

On a personal note, I especially want to thank Maurie for his commitment and contribution on Port Botany and Darling Harbour picket lines during the 1998 Patrick's dispute.

This will be a great night Maurie.
Enjoy it.
Greg Combet (Secretary ACTU)

Dear Maurie,

It is with real regret that I am unable to attend your retirement dinner on Wednesday, 9 July next. I will be in the middle of a two day trip in the Riverina that has been organised for some time.

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the fine contribution you have made to the Union movement in NSW. Your dedication and commitment to the cause is to be commended and I congratulate you on all your achievements.

Of course, our paths have crossed many times and it was always a pleasure to get advice from you. I thank you for the courtesies you have so generously extended to me and for the meals we have shared.

Best wishes Maurie. I hope you have a very enjoyable evening, a wonderful retirement and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Yours sincerely,
John Watkins MP (Minister for Police)

Dear Maurie,

It has come to my attention that shortly you will be retiring from your position with the PSA.

Unfortunately, local commitments prevent my attendance at your farewell function. I want to place on record my thanks to you for all the personal support you have given me over so many years, both within the union movement and in my new political role. You will be missed by all your comrades and friends, but leave knowing you have done a great job and helped build a strong and effective union.

My thoughts will be with you on the evening of your formal farewell. If appropriate could you please record my formal apologies.

Hope to see you in "retirement".
Thanks for all,
Yours sincerely,
Jennie George MP (Member for Throsby)

Dear Maurie,

I am sorry I cannot be there for your retirement dinner; I reckon it will be a fine celebration in the Australian/Irish working class tradition. I will be overseas at the ILO seeking to secure some fundamental rights for international seafarers and I know you will make an allowance for that.

I would like to record both our union's appreciation and congratulations for the wonderful contribution you have made to your union and to the working class and also my personal appreciation for your friendship and comradeship over the years. There have been some torrid battles fought with victories to shore us up and defeats to reflect on so we may be better equipped in the next round.

You have featured prominently in the militant and progressive activity of our movement throughout my working life and have left an imprint of clear thinking, principled and militant leadership that will resonate for a long time to come. Not only members from your union have benefited greatly from your canny strategies and determined progress, but also the members of many other unions in this country and internationally. In particular, I want to thank you and your union for the unstinting support for maritime workers during the Patrick dispute. The lives of many workers and their families were materially enhanced through your courage and wholehearted support.

I know you and your family will enjoy the opportunity that retirement provides to continue your work for the working class on many fronts, but particularly one of yours and my great passions, the securing of a free, independent and sovereign state of Ireland.

Again, best wishes and I will be enjoying a pint of something or other on the night along with many others who could not attend in celebration of your achievements and in anticipation of the many good years you have to come.

Yours in unity,
Paddy Crumlin,
National Secretary (Maritime Union of Australia)