Follow Ark Tribe's case
Ark’s trial - final day 13 September
Two sets of hearings have now been completed in Ark’s trail. Before the court in June and then again in July Ark first pleaded not guilty and his defence team have since continued to cross examine witnesses.As the case continues, Ark will spend yet more time with the possibility of up to six months imprisonment hanging over his head. The final day for hearing is set down for 13 September.
Ark's fourth Court Appearance - December 18
Thousands turned out to rallies around the country as Ark Tribe was dragged before the court for the third time.
In Adelaide, Ark was in the local courthouse for 15 minutes before emerging to the cheers of hundreds of supporters.
Mr Tribe's ordeal is not over yet. Because the prosecution were unprepared this time he will be back before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 18.
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Ark’s Third Court Appearance – 30 October 2009
On this third appearance in court, Ark appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
He was in the courthouse for 15 minutes before emerging to the cheers of hundreds of supporters.
Ark has been before the court three times now but his ordeal is not over yet.
Ark will be dragged before the courts yet again on December 18 because the prosecution were not ready.
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Ark’s Second Court Appearance - 11 August 2009
Hundreds of people showed their support for Ark Tribe as he entered Elizabeth Magistrates Court for the second time.
Mr Tribe faces up to six months jail for allegedly failing to attend a compulsory interrogation by the ABCC in 2008.
Ark’s next hearing will be on Friday 30 October 2009. His case will be heard at Adelaide Magistrates Court, in Victoria Square Adelaide.
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Pictures of Ark's first court appearance - Tuesday 9th June 2009
Supporters rally for Ark Tribe's freedom
More than 200 people rallied at Elizabeth Magistrates Court in support of the latest victim of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), South Australian construction worker, Ark Tribe in June.
Local unions closed ranks around Mr Tribe who faces up to six months jail for allegedly failing to attend a compulsory interrogation by the ABCC in 2008.
Speaking at the rally as Mr Tribe appeared before the court for the first time, CFMEU SA Secretary, Martin O’Malley said local workers, including nurses, ambulance officers, truck drivers and construction workers had pledged their support for Mr Tribe.
“Unions, representing nurses, ambulance officers, transport workers and construction workers, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ark Tribe in the fight against the ABCC charges,” Mr O’Malley said.
Ark Tribe will be in court again on August 11.
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Ark Tribe prosecuted
Ark Tribe is a construction worker from South Australia facing six months in jail. He has been charged with not attending an interview with the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
Ark was working on the Flinders University site in Adelaide. Conditions were so bad that workers drew up a petition calling for safety improvements, on a handtowel. It took an intervention by the union and the state government safety regulator to get the most pressing problems fixed and finally, after several days, things began to get back on track.
One by one workers from the site were called before the ABCC. The penalties for those who don't cooperate with ABCC investigations are frightening - fines of up to $22,000 for things like stopping work to make sure workers are safe and jail for up to 6 months if you don't answer their questions.
Even the police don't have the powers the ABCC have. In Ark's words, "If I've done something wrong, I'm prepared to cop it, but I won't be treated unfairly." We need to get the Rudd Labor Government to get rid of these laws, before another construction worker faces jail.
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Your messages of support to Ark
"Stay strong, keep fighting for what is right and just, you have my support."
Michael
"I am a student at Flinders University and I support human rights. The ABCC should be abolished - it has powers suited to a police state, not a democratic country like Australia. I support you Ark, in your stand against the ABCC. It is up to us to refuse to comply with anti-democratic laws wielded by an anti-democratic institution like the ABCC. We must not obey bad laws which threaten the freedoms basic to our way of life in Australia."
Colin
"Hang in their Ark! These laws are wrong and they have to be changed. You are an inspiration to other workers!"
Anne
"Ark has my total support. He is not just fighting for himself or for the building industry workers but for all working people. As long as these draconian laws are in place to control a few people we are all in danger."
Terrence
"Dear Ark Keep up the fight what ABCC is doing is totally wrong and someone needs to stand up to them. All the worry and uncertainty you are going through at the moment will be worth it when you win. We are all with you 100%"
Rod
"Ark, I applaud your courageous stand against unfair laws that should be repealed. The law reminds me of the events and laws leading up to the Shearers being forced to shear sheep in unsafe conditions in the 1890's. In all good conscience I can't understand how Labor governments could have lost touch with their root's and moral principles. Good Luck. One man and what is right is a majority."
Colin
"Good on You. If more workers stood up against these rules, we would have a fairer society."
Trish
"Dear Ark, Any worker in Australia should be able to stand up for the rights and safety at work without facing the prospect of being dragged before an interrogation. Union members standing up for their safety rights not only protect themselves and other workers but also the public. The laws allowing the powers to the ABCC are wrong, congratulations for the stand you have taken, my thoughts are with you. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" Martin Luther King Jr."
Jane
"Ark, you have the solidarity of workers behind you. Your fight is our fight and it will continue until the ABCC is no more."
Jacqui
"Hang in there Ark. Please remember there are a lot of us out here determined to see you through this outrageous, enraging ordeal. Thinking of you, Ava"
Ava
