Broome port workers strike threatens cruise arrivals during Kimberley's peak season

Workers at the Port of Broome stopped work last Friday after talks with the Kimberley Ports Authority broke down over wages and conditions, setting a two-week strike that will affect both port terminals. The stoppage coincides with the region’s busiest tourism period, leaving two livestock ships and seven cruise liners, plus a dozen vessels at a nearby private jetty, to rely on tenders and hand-loaded provisions. Erie Astrup of Discovery One Cruises described crews loading supplies from the slipway, and Deb Corbett of Ponant Explorations said the company is adjusting schedules for the luxury cruiser Le Jacques Cartier.

Local transport operator Shayne Murray noted the makeshift transfers are “not ideal” but workable, while industry group Cruise Broome warned the disruption hits hotels, airlines and the broader economy. Liberal MLC Neil Thomson criticised the scene as embarrassing for the state, and the Maritime Union of Australia defended the strike, citing low port-tradesmen wages and rising living costs. The Kimberley Ports Authority said it will keep bargaining in good faith with the union, with the Fair Work Commission now assisting in conciliation, and meetings are scheduled for tomorrow.