Shipping Bills Clear Parliament

by Jim Wilson - last modified Jun 19, 2012 12:48 PM

The bills now only require approval from the Governor General before they become legislation. Photo - Shutterstock
Those bills were:

• Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Bill
• Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill
• Shipping Registration Amendment (Australian International Shipping Register) Bill
• Shipping Reform (Tax Incentives) Bill; and
• Tax Laws Amendment (Shipping Reforms) Bill.

Only the Governor General’s Royal Assent, a simple administrative procedure, is now required for the bills to become law.

Several industry leaders welcomed the news, however, others were more circumspect.

Teresa Lloyd, executive director of the Australian Shipowners Association commented “the introduction of the Australian International Shipping Register is a major development for Australia… we congratulate Minster Albanese and the Gillard Government for their commitment to the revitalisation of the shipping industry.”

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) also welcomed the passage of the shipping package.

“I’m over the moon,” declared Paddy Crumlin, the national secretary of the MUA.

“It’s a great day for everyone who believes that Australia is a shipping nation.” He pointed out that the reforms replace 100 year old legislation and that in itself is an indicator of how important these reforms are.

Shipping Australia CEO, Llew Russell, was a little more cautious in his outlook. He commented that “a lot will depend on what happens in the next 12 months” and remarked that there is potential for it to work or that there could be “severe disruption” depending upon how the law is put into effect.

In the run up to the passing of the legislation, liner shipping executives said that they thought it would be “manageable” but would put a heavy administrative burden on their operations.

Tramp and break bulk operators were dismayed by the certain aspects of the legislation, particularly the requirements for the notification of a minimum of five voyages up to 12 months in advance.

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