Manly Fast Ferry - Commuter Interests Should Come First - Mike Baird, Manly MP

The interests of commuters using the new Manly Fast Ferry should come first in any deal to end the abusive protests on the wharves, said Manly MP, Mike Baird - Feb 2009.

“The local community fought to have this fast ferry service returned after they were abandoned by the Labor Government.

“They were then subject to abusive behaviour by the Maritime Union and an extended group of people who joined the protest against the service.

“I have always said that the union has a right to protest, but the situation was getting out of hand, and the Government did nothing to protect the passengers.

“I had people contacting me reporting being spat on, sworn at and physically intimidated.

“I now welcome the Union’s promise to remove the protesters following an agreement with Manly Fast Ferry owner, Bass and Flinders.

“Importantly, any such agreement must be in the interests of the community.

“As a community we overcame a bad government decision and won back an important service.

“And despite the intimidation by the union protesters, the people power would not be beaten as passengers welcomed the new service.

“I am standing up for the long suffering public transport users of Manly, and more broadly NSW.

“If we allow bullying in any form to win, then how will services ever improve for the people of NSW?

“Where was the Union when the service was scrapped?

“I see Labor MP Peter Primrose also joined the protest – where was he when his government dumped the service?

“I also reject claims from the union that I have been inciting abusive behaviour from passengers. Such allegations show how desperate the union has become, with no regard for what the community wanted,” Mike Baird said.