News
16.12.11
"On 14 December 2011, the Government of Australia deposited with
the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of
the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Australia becomes
the 22nd member State to ratify the landmark Convention, which sets
out seafarers' rights to decent working and living conditions while
creating fair competition for shipowners.
In receiving the instrument of ratification, Ms. Doumbia-Henry,
Director of the International Labour Standards Department, stated:
"Today, the Government of Australia delivers on its commitment to
play a leading role in the ratification and implementation of the
MLC, 2006 - a commitment reaffirmed at the Regional Dialogue on the
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, hosted by Australia in May 2011
with a view to strengthen the cooperation and consistent
application of the Convention across the Asia-Pacific region. The
effort of the Australian Government is all the more commendable as
it required an amendment to the Commonwealth maritime legislation
and extensive consultations with the different government
jurisdictions. Australia's ratification proves that the momentum in
the Asia-Pacific region remains strong and I am optimistic that
further ratifications are shortly to come from this region which is
strategically important for achieving the goals of the MLC, 2006.
In addition, the ratification by Australia will help to boost the
Australian maritime industry and to strengthen its
competiveness."
In depositing the instrument of ratification, Mr Greg Vines,
Minister (Labour) stated: "As the largest island continent,
Australia's economic future is inextricably linked to safe and
productive shipping. It is in our environmental and economic
interest to ensure that ships that travel through the Asia-Pacific
region are safe, secure and crewed by seafarers that are decently
treated, fairly paid and well trained. In ratifying the MLC, 2006,
Australia is proud to be contributing to comprehensive rights and
protection for the world's more than 1.2 million seafarers who work
in this fundamental global industry.
With the ratification of the MLC, 2006 by Australia, 22 ILO
member States, representing over 56 per cent of the world gross
tonnage of ships, are now parties to the Convention. Of the
twenty-two ratifications, twelve have been received in 2011 with
the majority of these received in the last six months, which shows
that national ratification efforts are now nearing completion in
many countries in all regions. It is expected that the additional
eight ratifications will be obtained in the following three to six
months making it possible for the MLC, 2006 to enter into force in
early 2013." [source ILO website]
Jan Thompson, Industrial Officer