Ark Tribe received a rousing reception at the April shop stewards meeting, where he talked about his upcoming trial. He is charged with refusing an ABCC interview and faces six months jail if convicted.

“This fight isn’t about me or you, it’s about us and the kids who come behind us,” he declared. “I never thought I’d see the day when hard working Australians would face jail for sticking up for their rights.”

Ark grew up in Melbourne and served in the Army before working on building sites around Australia and settling in Adelaide. He was joined at the meeting by Anne, his mum and his sister Jacqui.

Attacked for standing up for safety
Ark’s troubles began when workers pulled up over safety on an Adelaide building site in 2008. Despite Safework SA backing them and issuing notices on the builder, the ABCC went after them and the CFMEU organiser involved

Ark had a dig at the Labor politicians who promised to get rid of the ABCC, stating "They're a disgrace. They've forgotten where they come from and who they were created to represent."

Ark remains defiant, despite the fact he could be behind bars very soon. He closed his speech by quoting the Eureka diggers: “I swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by my mates and defend our rights and liberties.”

After Ark Spoke, Skinner led the stewards in a chant of "Ark Tribe - Here to stay!, CFMEU - Here to stay!" that had old Trades Hall rocking on its foundations.

Ark’s trial begins on June 15. Dave Noonan, CFMEU National Secretary, promised the construction industry will stop right around the country if Ark is jailed.

Ark Tribe's Family Talk