Red-tape will be cut under new shipping legislation passed in Parliament today, according to Labor
August 23,
2012
New laws regulating ships and seafarers to protect Australia’s marine environment have been passes in Parliament.
Federal Parliament today passed
the Navigation Bill 2012 and the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Bill 2012.
The Bills give effect to Australia’s obligations under various international maritime organization conventions and establish the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as the single national maritime regulator.
According to a statement from Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, the National Law Bill replaces eight federal, state and territory regulators.
The minister says this releases manufacturers, operators and crews of commercial vessels from a costly and confusing array of regulations.
“The creation of a national system will lift safety standards, reduce red tape and provide better protections for our fragile marine environment from pollution and accidents,” the statement says.
In June this year, the Senate passed the Government’s Stronger Shipping for a Stronger Economy reforms.
According to Albanese, the reforms, combined with the new laws passed today, cement Australia’s standing as a shipping nation.
The 100-year-old Navigation Act was first drafted by the Fisher Labor Government.