News
30.08.11
Media Release
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure
and Transport
24 August 2011
For the first time in history, Australia will have a single
national regulator for maritime safety, turning 50 different pieces
of legislation across eight jurisdictions into one uniform
system.
The changes represent the most significant reforms of the
transport sector since Federation, after agreement was reached on
Transport Regulators at last week's COAG meeting.
Under the historic reforms championed by the Gillard Labor
Government, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will
from 2013 become the national regulator of all commercial
vessels.
I have asked state and territory governments to begin
consultations on the detail of the changes and over the next few
weeks, staff from AMSA will be travelling through Queensland and
Victoria to seek input from industry and the public.
Creating a national safety system for the maritime sector will
improve safety standards in Australia's waters, reduce regulatory
burden for businesses and cut red tape for the domestic commercial
vessel industry.
The changes will boost national income by up to $30 billion over
the next 20 years, reducing the compliance burden on our transport
industry by ending the need for mountains of paperwork and multiple
fees.
The Australian Government will continue to work in partnership
with state and territory Governments to deliver the Government's
promise to improve Australia's maritime operating environment for
business.
The National System for Commercial Vessel Safety will
streamline standards by establishing consistent design,
construction and certification requirements to reduce the
regulatory burden faced by shipping operators.
Currently vessels need separate certificates for each state and
territory but the new system will mean that one national
certificate is recognised across Australia.
I invite all interested Australians to participate in the
consultation process and help to shape a stronger, safer future for
Australia's maritime industry.
For more information about dates, times and locations of the
consultations go to: www.amsa.gov.au.