Collection of 11 items relating to the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Committee
Date1974-1987
Object numberANMS1315
NameArchive series
MediumPaper based material
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bill Heath
DescriptionThis collection of 11 papers and personal records of the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Committee were kept by William (Bill) Heath as nominee of the ACTU and seagoing unions, 1974 - 1987. These include one union stamp book, one life membership card and one certificate; one settlement letter for William Heath enclosing compensation cheque; one letter to William Heath regarding his career and exposure to asbestos; three copies of Maritime Workers Journal; one folder of correspondence containing items such as handwritten copies of menus and a letter containing the history of seafarers; one black and white photograph of orphaned children on a ferry and one photograph of the NYORA.HistoryMerchant seamen were not covered by the same pensions Act as naval personnel. The McGirr Inquiry into the Needs of Australian Mariners 1989 was held in order to examine their position. Its recommendations improved the position of merchant seamen who were affected, but until then merchant seamen who claimed to have suffered injury as a result of wartime service, had to bring their claims to the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Committee.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.
April - May 1954