Federal Infrastructure Minister, the Hon Catherine King MP, has today (Friday, 02 February 2024) announced that “work towards establishing Australia’s Maritime Strategic Fleet is underway”.
After noting that the Strategic Fleet Taskforce report and the Federal Government’s response to the taskforce was published last year, the Minister has today stated that Government’s focus has now shifted to implementing the recommendations of the taskforce consistent with the Government’s response.
“I expect demonstrable progress towards getting the first vessels in the fleet will be made this year, including the opening of applications to join the strategic fleet, expected mid-year. My department has commenced targeted consultation with vessel operators and unions to seek their views on participation in the fleet, workforce and skills, and business effects of requisitioning,” she said.
She added that legislative reviews of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 and the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 will begin later this year.
“This is a big year for progress delivering on the Government’s commitment to establish the strategic fleet and I look forward to making a number of announcements throughout the course of the year,” Minister King said.
The Minister also discussed training and employment pathways. While arguing that the strategic fleet will provide “invaluable training training opportunities”, the minister conceded that the fleet will not overcome all the barriers to growing the Australian seafaring workforce.
“The Jobs and Skills Council for the Transport and Logistics sector is considering the advice of the taskforce as part of its annual Workforce Plan. The Workforce Plan will consider a range of issues to inform the Government’s decision-making on actions required to support the maritime workforce,” the Minister noted.
She also added that the government has committed to increase monitoring related to the payment of Seagoing Industry Award 2020 Schedule A wages on foreign vessels operating under a Temporary Licence.
