THE FEDERAL government has appointed Paddy Crumlin as part-time member of the Australian National Maritime Museum council.
The ANMM council is the governing body for the museum, appointed by the Australian government.
Mr Crumlin will serve on the council for a three-year term.
Federal arts minister Tony Burke said the appointment was part of the government’s commitment to ensuring cultural institutions were placed to safeguard Australia’s history.
“The museum provides a key role in preserving, researching and showcasing our maritime history and heritage,” he said.
“Paddy has lived our maritime history for the whole of his working life.
“I know his expertise, experience and perspective will ensure the Museum is better placed than ever to showcase its important work for all Australians.”
The government highlighted Mr Crumlin’s position as chair on the boards of the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, Hunterlink and the ITF Seafarers Trust.
He was elected deputy national secretary of the Seamen’s Union of Australia in 1991.
When the Seamen’s Union amalgamated with the Waterside Workers Federation in 1993, he was elected as joint deputy national secretary.
In 2000, he was elected national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia following the retirement of John Coombs.
In 2010, he was elected president of the International Transport Workers Federation, representing 20 million transport workers across the globe. He chairs the ITF Dockers’ Section.
He also represents workers at the International Labor Organization on maritime‑related labour governance matters.
