Power grab
THE MUA’s attempt to obtain a federal seat should be seen as a worrying grab for power, which may have a number of future unfortunate consequences for our local representation.
While most unions and their representatives perform a vital function in robustly representing the rights and interests of their members — the police, teachers and nurses unions immediately come to mind — all too commonly the public perception is the MUA is altogether a different kettle of fish.
The reasons for this are readily apparent — after spending just a few brief moments on the internet it’s not hard to find a long and depressing list of accusations from a variety of sources accusing the MUA of bullying, thuggery, intimidation, harassment and corruption.
Despite the MUA’s confidence in Chris Brown, it may prove electorally expensive to ask voters to support what appears to be a union that represents a very small proportion of the population, and has been repeatedly tainted, rightly or wrongly, by entrenched attitudes that should not be part of our political system.
I think it’s fair to say the seat of Fremantle has long since moved on from that world and needs a more progressive and balanced approach to represent its interests.
P Tod
Hamilton Hill

No solution
COCKBURN councillor Steve Portelli (Herald, February 27, 2016) could be right.
If Dean Nalder continues his thought-bubble transport “planning” many roads will be widened and many trees will follow that 500-year-old wetlands specimen into oblivion.
However, given the Perth Freight Link will not make it across the river, terminating nowhere near the port, the huge amount of traffic it generates will back up in the world’s greatest traffic jam. All the feeder roads in the southern suburbs will choke.
Cr Portelli could bulldoze every tree in sight but he won’t change the fact the Perth Freight Link is no solution to traffic management.
Barry Healy
Holland St, Fremantle

I object
HAVING, until recently, lived and worked in the Fremantle area for decades, I object to the actions of the Fremantle council (Herald, February 27, 2016).
Councillors should get on with local government business and stay away from commonwealth issues.
Whether or not I agree or disagree with the council’s stance on the offshore detention question is immaterial.
You’re elected to resolve the many local government matters needing attention, not voice personal views on issues outside your jurisdiction.
Don G Sivyer
Musulin Rise, Munster

Socialist chokers
I NEARLY choked on my drink when I read the front page headline (Herald, February 27, 2016).
Just who does this socialist group think it is, telling Wilson and Broadspectrum how to run their companies? Where does this group of socialists think we are going to put these so-called refugees? We don’t have enough water as it is, and you want to bring more people onto the mainland?
I think your efforts would be better spent on looking after the homeless in your own backyard.
People who do come here legally have to endure years of waiting, stringent medicals and psychological checks, and how can you check someone if they don’t have a passport? You have lost the big picture — these people broke our law to get here. We don’t know who they are nor what type of person they are and you want to bring them to the mainland (to be in detention here or to enter the community?).
Detention is detention wherever it is and these people have to wait their turn.  Do you think their country would welcome you with open arms if you entered their country illegally?
I have an idea – they can move in with Cr Wainwright and his friends!
Heather Marchesani
Empress Cres, Atwell  

Brave call
CONGRATULATIONS to Fremantle council for its brave decision to cut ties with Wilson Security because of its role in Australia’s offshore detention regime (Herald, February 27, 2016). I call on other councils to follow likewise, and let them know ordinary Aussies are embarrassed by the way our country treats desperate people.
Heather Inglis
Warragoon Cres, Attadale

Dovetailing
I JUST wanted to touch base with you and compliment you on the great article regarding Duyfken and its need for volunteers (Herald, January 22, 2016).
The article was well read, because we already have had 10 people contact us to support our volunteer maintenance program.
Duyfken’s program over coming months will see the replacement of the deck, with a planned return to her berth at Little Creatures by late April. She will then begin her educational program, which will continue until mid-August. On Saturday, August 20, 2016 she will depart from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour to commence the Dirk Hartog 400th anniversary voyage.
We look forward to working closely with you with respect to further articles and points of interest on this program.
Peter Bowman
CEO, Duyfken 1606 Replica