Australia's New Shipping Laws Threaten Loss of Jobs

 

More than nine in 10 domestic seafarers will lose their jobs if the Abbott government's plan to relax shipping regulations passes Parliament, report written by the Australia Institute suggests.

 

Less than 100 seafarers would remain in employment out of a current workforce of 1177, according to a report written by the Australia Institute, based on government documents supporting its Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill. 

 

Accoring to a report in the Guradian, the Coalition says changes would simplify shipping laws and cut costs for business but proposed legislation is headed for defeat in the Senate.

 

The Coalition has been warned by crossbench senators that it will be unable to legislate planned changes to Australia’s shipping laws. The government’s proposed legislation would water down wage protections and preferences for Australian crews. 

 

Coalition said that the workers aboard non-Australian flagged vessels will only be subject to Australian wages and conditions if the ships trade in Australia for more than 183 days, roughly six months of the yearly permits.