News
23.11.11
Crews working on commercial ships in Australian waters will have
their working conditions protected after laws introduced by the
Gillard Government passed through Parliament.
Australia will be the 19th country which has ratified
the laws to comply with a Maritime Labour Convention set by the
International Labour Organization.
Australia's adoption of these laws means more than half the
world's shipping is now covered.
The Convention sets standards for:
- minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
- conditions of employment
- accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
- health protection, medical care, welfare and social security
protection
- compliance and enforcement.
It will modernize more than 60 international labour standards
going back over eight decades.
The implementation of the MLC in Australia will not result in
significant changes for seafarers on Australian ships because they
are already provided with good working conditions.
But these new laws will help to ensure that good working
conditions are maintained on Australian ships and that the
seafarers working on all other ships that enter Australian ports
have the same conditions.
It will also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of
accidents that may result in pollution damage or loss of life or
injury to seafarers.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will also be able to
board foreign ships to ensure compliance with the new laws.
These changes are strongly supported by the maritime industry,
unions and employer groups.