MUA hails shipping reform

The newly elected Rudd Government has made good on its pledge to unions and local ship owners to reinvigerate Australian shipping and put a stop to rampant exploitation of third world crew by rogue shipping operators in Australian waters.

There will be a clamp down on overuse of foreign-owned ships to transport freight around the nation's coastline in a bid to bolster the shipping industry.

There will be a review of coastal shipping laws to uncover ways to lift the domestic shipping fleet's share of the domestic freight market from its current level of about 80 per cent.

Foreign vessels in Australian waters will be required to observe an International Labour Organisation Convention (The Seafarers' Bill of Rights) guaranteeing fair pay and conditions for all seafarers.

The Maritime Union of Australia met with the minister after the election calling on Labor to deliver on its policy platform, requiring stronger laws to protect cabotage - the principle that nations should protect domestic shipping routes for domestic shipping fleets.

MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin accepted the need for foreign ships to ply domestic freight routes as long as no Australian vessels were available.

"But there should be a transparent process to how those permits are awarded," he said.

"Under the Howard government, permits were issued without due diligence. We've met with Anthony Albanese. He said that we'd be going back to the (Labor) platform."

In a letter to the International Transport Workers' Federation he thanked international colleagues for their support in the protracted battle to secure rights for both Australian and world seafarers.

"It could not have been achieved without the constant support of the ITF and it's many affiliates through hard times," he said.

"We are working hard on our work plan for the new government in maritime policy areas and all responses have been very supportive. What a difference a government makes. There is plenty to be done and as we all know political work can be frustrating, but after 12 years of criminal conspiracy and harassment, every day is a bright one!"

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