MUA Queensland seafarer joins global Sumud Flotilla to Palestine 🇵🇸

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We publish this Maritime Union of Australia media release and wish MUA Queensland Seafarer Hamish Patterson and all the participants our love and solidarity in their efforts to bring aid to starving Palestinians during the genocide in Gaza. Ian Curr, 7th September 2025

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The Maritime Union of Australia has proudly announced that Queensland member Hamish Paterson will captain a vessel as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented international civilian fleet sailing to Gaza to challenge the illegal blockade and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid.

Paterson will join frontline activist and filmmaker Juliet Lamont and her daughters Isla and Luca, forming part of the eight-strong Australian and New Zealand delegation. They will sail alongside vessels from 44 countries in the largest civilian flotilla in history.

“As a long-term member of the MUA and the trade union movement, I see this as a continuation of our proud tradition of international solidarity and peace,” Paterson said. “If ordinary civilians can deliver aid, there is no excuse for governments to remain inactive while genocide continues.”

Warren Smith, Deputy National Secretary, explained the Union’s long history of peace activism and solidarity with oppressed peoples. “We have always stood against war, famine, injustice and apartheid. The war and siege of Gaza is an appalling and unbearable situation which workers and their unions, through global activism, must stand up to. The MUA congratulates the stand that our members are taking both at work and in their personal lives to alleviate the suffering and draw attention to the plight of Palestinians under occupation,” Smith said.

The Queensland Branch of the MUA has thrown its support behind Paterson and Lamont, and encourages members and supporters of the union to contribute to the GoFundMe page.

Branch Assistant Secretary Paul Gallagher, reflected on the MUA’s history of militant activism for progressive causes. “We have always been a union which fights from the front, and nothing captures that spirit more than Hamish setting sail and putting his seamanship towards a cause dear to his heart and which is a defining humanitarian issue facing this generation,” Gallagher said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is bringing together a diverse coalition of seafarers, doctors, clergy, humanitarians, and artists, including Greta Thunberg, Susan Sarandon, Carsie Blanton, and Tadhg Hickey.

Lamont, acting as first mate, said: “I have a profound hope that our collective action will open a humanitarian corridor and bring vital medical supplies to the people of occupied Palestine. The time is now. Direct action is an act of love.”

Her daughters echoed the urgency of the mission. Luca said: “When the leaders of the world remain silent and complicit, we will set sail.” Isla added: “As a young woman with privilege, I feel a responsibility to stand with Palestine and demand freedom.”

The MUA stands shoulder to shoulder with the Peace Flotilla, recognising this historic journey as part of the union movement’s longstanding commitment to peace, justice, and international solidarity.

Support for the Australian delegation can be provided at:

https://chuffed.org/project/global-sumud-flotilla.

ENDS

The Union
The Seaman’s Union of Australia and Waterside Workers Federation merge to create the Maritime Union of Australia (1993).

The lead-up to the merger saw the Marine Cooks Bakers and Butchers Association (formed in 1908) amalgamated with the SUA in 1983, and the Federated Marine Stewards and Pantrymen’s Association merged in 1988.

In 1991 the Professional Divers Association also amalgamated with the S.U.A.

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