JEANINE Drummond has been appointed chair of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority board.

The federal government announced Captain Drummond’s appointment on Wednesday (5 July), along with the appointment of Dean Summers and Michelle Taylor as board members.

Infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister Catherine King welcomed the new chair and board members to their roles.

“Captain Drummond is the first woman appointed to the permanent role of chair, and more than half the membership of the board is female,” Ms King said.

“These are both important landmarks for the maritime industry.”

Ms Drummond joined the AMSA board in 2020. She is currently a member of the Australian Maritime College’s advisory board and of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society council.

“From someone who started out in the industry as an Australian seafarer and has had a variety of different interactions with AMSA during my seagoing and shore side maritime career, to now be in a position to continue to influence the great work at AMSA, it truly is a privilege to be appointed to the role of AMSA board chair,” Ms Drummond told DCN. 

Ms King also highlighted Ms Drummond’s contribution to projects spanning ports governance, pilotage standards, port resource management, offshore wind developments, maritime workplace inclusion and safety management systems.

She said Ms Drummond already has critical roles in improving maritime safety, skills and seafarer wellbeing.

“Captain Drummond is an experienced harbour master, master mariner and maritime industry professional who is a well-respected member of the maritime community.”

New board members

Welcoming the two new board members, Ms King highlighted Mr Summers’ experience as a seafarer and his former role as Australian national co-ordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation.

Mr Summers is also a marathon swimmer who raises awareness and funds for the global seafaring workforce.

“He also brings experience in engaging with government on regulatory matters, which will be crucial for the board’s work,” Ms King said.

And Ms Taylor is a lawyer who specialises in maritime and transport law and has previously worked with AMSA and the Department of Defence.

She is currently a partner of Sparke Helmore Lawyers, bringing more than 25 years’ experience as a litigator to her new role.

“As the current president of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand and serving on the Australian Maritime and Transport Arbitration Commission executive, her extensive experience with shipping issues has been recognised internationally,” Ms King said.

“Ms Taylor’s appointment will provide the board with valuable expertise in maritime law, including comprehensive knowledge of casualty and pollution matters.”

Ms King said the new chair and board members would enhance AMSA’s role in protecting the marine environment, supporting safe navigation and marine safety.

“I welcome the new chair and members to their roles and look forward to continuing to work with AMSA as we ensure a safe and environmentally friendly maritime sector,” she said.

“I also thank Ms Jennifer Clark for her service as the acting chair.”