An international delegation appeared before the Senate Inquiry by the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee’s into the policy, regulatory, taxation, administrative and funding priorities for Australian Shipping at Parliament House in Canberra.

“The reason for our appearance before you today is to discuss the importance of retaining and reinvigorating a domestic marine shipping industry,” Jim Given, president of the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada and chair of the ITF’s Cabotage Task Force, told the inquiry.

“I’m regularly reminded of how the Coasting Trade Act in Canada, and the Jones Act in the United States, are so integral to the overall success of our shipping industries…”

“These policies are often regarded by our colleagues in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as the gold standard for the protection of seafarers’ rights, and the safety of our domestic maritime industries. Not only do strong cabotage laws ensure that domestic seafarers retain their jobs, they are also tremendous catalysts of economic growth for countries with such policies in place,” Given added.

Maritime Business World