Collection of 31 documents relating to the career of Bill Heath
Date1974-1987
Object numberANMS1313
NameArchive series
MediumPaper based material
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bill Heath
DescriptionThis collection of 31 documents relates to the role of William (Bill) Heath on the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Commitee and his association with the Seafarers' Retirement Fund.HistoryThe series consists of one business card for ABC TV Talks Radio National; one advertising document for The Australian Story; one notice of HRH silver jubilee; one certificate of appreciation from Bladehurst Public School to William Heath; two sets of Minutes from the Australian Council of Trade Unions election meeting; one newspaper clipping containing the names of people awarded the Queens medal; one Queens Medal pamphlet; one certificate of appointment for William Heath to Justice of the Peace; one explanation of terms in the matter of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904 -1970; and 21 letters relating to Heath's nomination and appointment to the Seamen's Pensions and Allowances Committee and a notice to disband the Committee, the Seafarers Retirement Fund, the repeal of Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowance Act 1940 and a number of letters of appreciation.
Australian merchant seaman who were involved in World War II and who suffered a disability or injury were covered by the 'Seamen’s War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940'. However the benefits in this Act were far less generous for merchant seaman than for other veterans or members of the Armed forces. The McGirr Inquiry into the Needs of Australian Mariners 1989 was held in order to examine their position. Its recommendations, including a repeal of the 'Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Act 1940', improved the position of merchant seamen who were affected by wartime activity. However, until the introduction of the recommendations from this enquiry and others, merchant seamen who claimed to have suffered injury as a result of wartime service were required to take their claims to the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Committee for compensation.SignificanceThis first-hand record gives a rare insight into a little-known area of Australian maritime history - the extent to which Australian merchant seamen participated in World War II and were affected by it.