October 24, 2016
• AMSA recently conducted consultation with commercial vessel operators Australia-wide, including Lakes Entrance
• Gippsland industry representatives thanked for their engagement and feedback
• Feedback to be carefully considered as part of the Federal Government’s decision making process
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he will work with the states and territories to “get the details right” around a proposed streamlining of domestic commercial vessel fleet regulation.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has conducted industry consultation across Australia as it moves to become the nation’s sole maritime safety regulator.
Mr Chester, who as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has responsibility for implementation of the transition, said he received valuable feedback from Gippsland-based commercial vessel operators.
“Industry stakeholders were consulted on two proposed cost recovery levies and I thank them for their active engagement and feedback,” Mr Chester said.
“The constructive feedback by industry operators will be given careful consideration as part of the government’s deliberations on determining the best approach for a safe and cost effective system.
“Gippsland relies heavily on its commercial vessel operators for fishing and tourism, and I appreciated the advice they provided throughout the consultation phase. As the local Federal MP, I am determined to ensure Gippsland’s commercial vessel fleet operate safely and viably into the future.”
In July 2013, AMSA became the national regulator for Australia’s domestic commercial vessel fleet, providing a single set of safety standards across all states and territories called the ‘national system’.
Since then, marine safety agencies in each state and in the Northern Territory have provided certification and compliance services on behalf of AMSA. Victoria currently has the lowest-levels of cost-recovery in Australia.
In 2014 state transport ministers agreed that AMSA would begin directly delivering these services from 1 July 2017.
Mr Chester said he would provide an update on the consultation feedback and cost recovery arrangements for domestic commercial vessels to his state counterparts at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in November.
“The national system is delivering safety benefits for commercial boating, fishing and tourism operations across Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“The feedback from industry will allow the State Ministers to work with AMSA and to get the details right.”