Captain William Bolitho AM was the inaugural Chairman of the Australian National Maritime Association (ANMA) when it was created in 1986. Bill had been a senior shipping executive for some time and, at the time ANMA was created, Bill was also Chairman of the Australian National Line and on the Board of QANTAS.

Bill Bolitho believed passionately in the merits of Australia having her own shipping capacity. He held that Australian should benefit from the carriage of her own external trade; this concept formed the basic platform on which the strength of ANMA, and later the Australian Shipowners Association, was built.

Bill remained in the Chairman’s role with ANMA until 1994. During those eight years of his Chairmanship, ANMA and its executive staff developed a strong leadership role in the industry, working closely with Governments and the maritime unions to usher in unprecedented reforms in the Australian shipping industry.

Bill Bolitho was a champion for Australian shipping and a man who epitomized that notion of having the courage of his convictions. The ANMA and ASA staff who were privileged to work with Bill during his lengthy Chairmanship of the Association were inculcated with his ideas. The ideas pursued by the Association have changed as the industry has changed but the idea of pursuing with intellectual rigour a beneficial outcome for Australian’s is one that has not needed to change. That lofty and worthwhile objective is Bill Bolitho’s legacy to the Australian shipping industry.

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Anthony Albanese's attraction to maritime issues shows no sign of abating, with the federal transport minister yesterday launching an inquiry into piracy.

"The Government is acting to ensure Australia has an appropriate framework in place to safeguard our maritime industry, our international trade effort and the many Australians who travel through international waters every year," Mr Albanese said.

The Inspector of Transport Security, Mick Palmer, will head the inquiry which will investigate the impact, or potential impact, of piracy on Australian registered and international trading ships including their crews and passengers.

It will also examine the effect of piracy on Australian maritime trade.

Inspector Palmer will liaise with the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime bodies to ensure Australia 's efforts complement wider international initiatives.

He will present his report by the end of September this year.

The Australian Shipowners Association supported the inquiry.

“We appreciate the Government's interest in this major security issue which is affecting the entire international shipping community and we welcome the opportunity to make submissions to the inquiry," executive director Teresa Hatch said.

“An increased role by Australia in finding solutions to the current piracy problems, including assisting international forces, would be welcomed by the shipowning community.”

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“Lachlan Payne has supported and lead the shipping industry for decades and brings a high level of expertise and understanding of the local and international operating environments.” said Teresa Hatch, Executive Director at ASA.

“Mr Payne is well known and regarded throughout the international shipowning community and has experience at the highest levels of international negotiations at the ILO and other fora.” Ms Hatch said

We are sure that this appointment will be a positive inclusion to the AMSA Board.

Lachlan Payne was the Chief Executive of ASA between 1987 and 2008, stepping down from the post in July last year.

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“The ‘Rebuilding Australia’s Coastal Shipping Industry’ report set in motion some important discussions and the Government response to that report has been eagerly awaited,” said Teresa Hatch, Executive Director at the Australian Shipowners Association.

“The industry has been urging action and the establishment of this group shows that the Government is sensitive to business needs and is responding.” Ms Hatch said.

ASA remains committed to working with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the right policies are put in place to attract new investment, deliver internationally competitive shipping services and grow the maritime skills base in Australia.

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Dates and times of the public meetings are as follows:

Canberra 16 December, 9am-11am
Sydney 17 December, 8am-10am OR 10.30am-12.30pm
Melbourne 17 December, 8am-10am OR 10.30am-12.30pm
Brisbane 18 December, 9am-11am
Perth 18 December, 9am-11am
Hobart 18 December, 9am-11am
Adelaide 18 December, 9am-11am
Darwin 18 December, 9am-11am

For more detailed information on locations of these sessions, please contact the ASA secretariat on (03) 9646 0755.

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“David has made a significant contribution to the Australian Shipowners Association and the Australian shipping industry in general,” said Teresa Hatch, Executive Director of ASA. “On a broader scale, David has been instrumental in building the strong relationships which have secured Australia’s place within the international arena, particularly the Asian Shipowners Forum and the International Chamber of Shipping.”

David is a highly regarded and well respected participant in the international shipping community, being a Member of the International Chamber of Shipping Executive Committee and one of the seven Chairmen that make up the leadership of the Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF).

“ASA’s position within the Asian Shipowners Forum is highly valued by them and I am very pleased to have played a part in the decision to create a permanent office for the ASF. This significant step will assist in broadening the voice and influence of our Asian region in international maritime affairs.” said Mr Sterrett.

David has seen both the international and domestic industry change remarkably since his introduction to the Australian industry 16 years ago.

“The industry has undergone major changes and the ASA has changed accordingly so as to represent its members in the most appropriate way. Today the small team in Princes Street is one the ASA membership can be extremely proud of,” said Mr. Sterrett

“However the main game in town now is how much real progress can be obtained from the recommendations of the House of Reps report into re-building Australia’s coastal shipping industry. We in the industry know that to fix coastal shipping we have to fix all shipping, as no one sector is independent of the others. Skills for instance are common. Federal governments in my time are not known for their ability to implement shipping report recommendations – let’s see if the Rudd government can leave a lasting legacy that will bring Australia to its rightful place as a significant shipping nation.” said Mr Sterrett.

Previous appointments held by David include Managing Director and Chief Executive of ASP Ship Management, CEO of the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation, Chairman of the Australian Maritime Industry Compensation Agency, Director and General Manager of Bibby Line, UK and Chairman of Bibby International Services. David commenced his career as a seagoing Engineer spending 13 years at sea, the last four as Chief Engineer. David is the current Chair of the Australian Maritime College Council.

“The pragmatism and leadership shown by David throughout his term as the Chairman of ASA is something that the industry will long remember and be very grateful for,” said Ms Hatch.

Mr. Noel Hart, General Manager of North West Shelf Shipping Services Company will be appointed ASA Chairman at the Annual General Meeting of ASA next Tuesday, 11 November.

Media Contacts: Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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“The report opens several doors to increased investment, improved efficiency and enhanced environmental performance.” said Teresa Hatch, Executive Director at ASA.

“Coupled with the recommendations aimed to provide clarity and consistency of decision making, the business environment for shipowning and operating has the potential to be a whole lot more attractive than it has been in recent years.”

Importantly the report opens with the statement that “The strongest argument for revitalizing Australia’s coastal shipping industry is an economic one.”

“The economic arguments are always debated but surely the economics are there for all to see – Australia could grasp the opportunity to value-add to our exports by providing the shipping services as well. This kind of recognition by a bipartisan committee is an important first step.” said Ms Hatch

One area not canvassed in the report but raised in the ASA submission related to a second register for the industry to reinvigorate Australian participation in international trades.

“The terms of reference were focused on coastal trades so we are not surprised that this one went through to the keeper this time. But these things are a step by step process and we still believe there is merit in the idea.” said Ms Hatch

The Committee report provides a sound basis for the next stage of work to continue from and ASA is ready to work with government to overcome the hurdles that may stand in the way of implementation of the recommendations. For instance, the comments from Treasury officials that improving the career path for seafarers by making their income tax internationally competitive would encourage domestic seafarers to undertake overseas employment, thereby diminishing the maritime skills base in Australia.

“We’re a little taken aback by this view – are we going to call all the young sports people, actors, lawyers and accountants who choose to work overseas back home as well? A career path is a career path no matter what your occupation.” said Ms Hatch

This is the second bi-partisan parliamentary report in just over a year that has recommended a change to the seafarers taxation provisions. In August 2007 the Senate Committee report into ‘Workforce challenges in the transport industry’ made a similar recommendation to that released today in the House of Representatives Committee report.

Media Contacts: Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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ASA’s Executive Director, Teresa Hatch said several key recommendations including the introduction of a voluntary tonnage tax system, reintroduction of accelerated depreciation, the review of the income tax application to Australian seafarers serving overseas and a national training authority are key items stemming from today’s report.

“We are eager to look through the report in more detail, however, at first glance we are pleased to note several key recommendations that, if properly implemented, can make a world of difference to the our national shipping capability – not just the coastal shipping sector,” said Ms Hatch. “We now look forward to working with government to implement these new recommendations.”

The report, which was released this morning, has been eagerly anticipated by the shipping business community for several months, following an exhaustive process involving submissions from across the industry.

Media Contacts: Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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Every year on WMD, the ASA host a breakfast that gathers together key industry stakeholders from across the country to promote the annual WMD theme and in order to foster an opportunity for both ASA Members and non-members to interact and network with one another. This year’s theme of IMO and their 60 year history in the service of shipping was an opportunity for those present to reflect on how far we have come in the recent decades, and to consider where we must move next.

Guest speaker Warwick Norman of Rightship Ship Vetting Specialists (Melbourne) delivered a compelling presentation that focused on the advances made to date in the international shipping industry from a safety and maintenance point of view, also highlighting how far we still need to go in order to reduce the human and financial loss associated with poor environmental and operational standards worldwide.

This year’s breakfast was held at Steakhouse Bluefire in Port Melbourne, which offered a magnificent view of the local marina and the surrounding shipping operations near Pier 35.

Those in attendance at this year’s breakfast included many ASA Members as well as , several new faces from such companies as Holan Fenwick WIllan, Moore Stephens Melbourne and the Port of Melbourne Corporation, in order to help toast the international maritime industry on this important date.

WMD is celebrated every year near the end of September and is used to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work.

Media Contacts:
Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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With the maritime industry’s skill shortage currently at crisis level, both seagoing and non-seagoing careers are affected.

Teresa Hatch, Executive Director of the Australian Shipowners Association, praised the AMC for taking this important step that will help address the major skills shortages facing the maritime industry today.

"This is a great initiative that will feed people into the industry from new streams and strengthen the overall structure of the Australian industry," said Ms. Hatch.

"AMC should be congratulated for this initiative – this is a fantastic step.”

Other industry initiatives, such as ASA’s recently launched Careers At Sea website (www.careersatsea.com.au) and the ab-initio Marine Pilots training are important steps toward finding whole-of-industry solutions which will sustain and re-invigorate the maritime industry.

Media Contacts: Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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Joined by key stakeholders across the shipping sector, the ASA proudly revealed the content of the new website, which acts as a one-stop-shop for prospective students, jobseekers and employers in the shipping industry. The website eliminates the need to visit multiple, often contradictory, careers websites that can discourage and confuse prospective new entrants. CareersatSea.com.au is a major initiative that seeks to address the skills shortage crisis in the Australian shipping industry, bringing together information on the various careers available across all sectors of the maritime industry; as well as offering candidates the opportunity to express interest in seagoing training berths and employment. The website also offers employers the opportunity to post industry specific job ads and boasts two new services known as Sea Recruit and Sea Study, offering employers the opportunity to search though available candidates seeking training berths or seagoing employment.

The Careers at Sea initiative was warmly received by those in attendance and, perhaps most importantly, received enthusiastic endorsement from Minister Albanese, who stated that: “The ASA is playing an essential role in promoting the (shipping) industry” and “Initiatives such as this one will help ensure that our maritime industry continues to underpin our (nation’s) growth and prosperity.”

Acknowledging that “our maritime sector remains a key trade link with the rest of the world”, Minister Albanese went on to state: “For Australia to be able to meet the challenges thrown our way by global economic demands, we need to maintain a dynamic and robust maritime industry. If we are to ensure that Australia’s maritime industry and maritime tradition do not simply become footnotes in our history pages, then we need to act now.”

“The Government recognises that an inadequate pool of skills is a critical risk to our aim of achieving a competitive and sustainable coastal shipping industry,” he said.

“In itself the website is not a solution to the skills problem, but it is a valuable tool and I commend the ASA for its initiative in developing the new site. “

The new Careers at Sea website is live as of today, Friday, 1st August and can be found at www.careersatsea.com.au.

Media Contacts: Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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ASA’s Chairman, Mr. David Sterrett, has expressed enthusiasm and excitement for the future of the Association, stating that: “the emphasis is now on facilitating members’ operations in imaginative, flexible ways rather than trying to create a policy shape, then making the industry fit that shape.”

“Much of ASA’s strong performance in maritime operational and skills issues is a reflection of Teresa’s energy and dedication to the interests of Australian ship owners,” he said. “In her new role as Executive Director, Teresa brings a strong operational flavour to the leadership of the secretariat of the Association.”

Ms. Hatch was originally appointed to the ASA in January of 2003. She comes to the position of Executive Director after many great successes in her previous role as Director of Maritime Operations.

Under Ms. Hatch’s direction, the ASA will continue to thrive and will have much to offer the ASA membership and industry at large in the years to come.

Media contacts: Robyn Farrar 0400 546 561

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The Australian Shipowners Association welcomed this announcement, stating that the changes proposed to the permit system should not impose burdens on users of the permits, and should make the system more transparent.

Teresa Hatch, Executive Director of the ASA, said today that “the foreign users of permits have been referred to as serial participants in Australia’s domestic economy and will now be subject to a more appropriate level of scrutiny.”

She added: “The idea of permits being made available is good; steps are now being taken to have a good administration for their availability.”

The ASA is encouraged by the Rudd Government’s early steps toward creating a level playing field for the Australian shipping industry and anticipates that further positive developments will be revealed with the release of the Standing Committee’s report on Australia’s coastal shipping sector in October.

Media Contacts
Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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The ASA was encouraged by Minister Albanese’s acknowledgment of these statistics. ASA’s Executive Director, Teresa Hatch, welcomed the Minister’s statement that these statistics demonstrate a need for policies that can reinvigorate an Australian shipping industry.

“The Rudd government has recognised the need for legislation which encourages Australians to participate in Australian shipping business, domestically as well as internationally,” Ms. Hatch said.

“As things stand now, Australian law inhibits the emergence of Australian shipping.

“Australian law requires Australians to compete in Australia at a competitive disadvantage,” she said. “It’s like Lleyton Hewitt being required by Australian law to play in Wimbledon with one hand tied behind his back.”

Ms. Hatch expressed an urgent need for the creation of a legislative regime that allows Australians to operate in an internationally competitive way, stating “this is the way to create win-win outcomes”.

“To encourage participation by Australians in our own sea trade, Australia just needs to align itself with what happens in the rest of the world,” she said.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development is due to report on the coastal shipping policy, with recommendations on ways to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector in October of this year.

Media Contacts
Robyn Farrar - 0400 546 561

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With more than 85,000 jobseekers in attendance, ASA’s Employees Relations Officer, Lee Azfar, was instrumental in ensuring shipping was “on the radar” for all in attendance at the Expos, which were held in April and May in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. The ASA exhibited alongside a diverse cross-section of industries including government, education, IT, hospitality, retail, tourism, mining, finance and other transport sectors.

Each year the Expo attracts a unique audience of jobseekers, graduates, school leavers, skilled and mature age workers, all keen on finding their place in tomorrow’s job market.

“This is the ideal platform for the promotion of careers in the shipping industry among a varied demographic,” remarked Mr. Azfar.
“We have been able to reach a large audience in key locations around the country, delivering the message that shipping is a thriving industry with incredible opportunities available for those that choose this as their career.”

However he is quick to point out that our work is only just beginning.

“Many attendees, when stopping by the ASA stall, remarked that they ‘hadn’t ever considered shipping as a career!’, proving once again that increasingly promoting our industry and all of its benefits as a career choice is paramount if we are to address and reverse the dire skills shortage issues our industry faces today.”

Mr. Azfar reports that there were a promising number of attendees genuinely interested in a career at sea at all three events, making special note that Brisbane’s Expo yielded a tremendous response, due most likely to the Trade Show being held over the same weekend. A strong turnout of interested and enthusiastic attendees were noted at Perth’s Expo; and an impressive number of jobseekers looking to change careers, particularly those with a trade background and other transferable skills, were noted at Melbourne’s Expo.

It becomes clear that attendance at events such as these is a small step on a long journey toward promoting shipping as a career choice, however when coupled with other incentives, such as the soon-to-be launched Careers at Sea website developed by the ASA, we can begin to look to the future of the shipping industry in Australia with renewed optimism.

For media enquiries please contact:
Robyn Farrar on 0400 546 561

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