POLICIES, regulations and taxes affecting Australian shipping are coming under the microscope this week of a Senate committee.
The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee has already received a series of written submissions from key industry players, with a formal report due on 13 August 2019.
Hearings are being held on Wednesday in Melbourne with representatives from ANL, Freight and Trade Alliance, Maritime Industry Australia, the Tasmanian Logistics Committee and the Maritime Union among those speaking.
The hearings continue on Thursday with in person submissions from AMSA, the Australian Maritime Officers Union, Toll Group, Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Home Affairs.
Particular reference is being paid to:
- new investment in Australian ships and building a maritime cluster in Australia;
- the establishment of an efficient and commercially-oriented coastal ship licensing system and foreign crew visa system;
- the interaction with other modes of freight transport, non-freight shipping and government shipping;
- maritime security, including fuel security and foreign ship and crew standards;
- environmental sustainability;
- workforce development and the seafarer training system;
- port infrastructure, port services and port fees and charges.
