Policy

One of the greatest strengths of the ASA is our strong relationship with key decision makers and policy analysts.

ASA places immense importance on growth and forward-thinking within the industry.  In order to steer the future of shipping, we need to be at the helm of innovation and change.  To this end, ASA seeks out every opportunity to advocate for change in areas of interest and importance to our members.

The secretariat undertakes the provision of submissions to government on a variety of issues as they arise as well as providing proactive advice, suggestions and proposals to government for their consideration.

The involvement of ASA members in the preparation of such submissions is critical.  It is vital to ensure that the solutions proposed have a wide support base and would benefit a large sector of the industry.  These submissions are an opportunity for members to have their opinions heard, considered and adopted in a form that will be used to influence government decision making.  Many members use ASA submissions as a means to supplement or complement individual submissions that they are making on behalf of their own organisation.

Examples of the areas that ASA undertakes advocacy on a regular basis:

  • Company taxation
  • Employee taxation
  • Depreciation regimes
  • Infrastructure capability building
  • National security and Border Protection
  • Environmental management
  • Modal share
  • Skills development
  • Jurisdictional issues (State/Federal/International)


ASA seeks to promote shipping by means of advocating for an advantageous environment in which our industry can prosper.  Through the development and fostering of key government relationships, ASA is able to influence the policies and regulations that determine Australia’s ability to offer an attractive environment in which to operate.

ASA works hard to engage the relevant Ministers and their departments to work through proposals and find the future pathways to an improved environment for ASA members businesses.

Several key activities and alliances include:

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is a particularly important arm of government as far as the activities of ASA are concerned.  AMSA is responsible, on behalf of the Australian Government, for the regulation and safety oversight of Australia’s shipping fleet and management of Australia’s international maritime obligations.

ASA is represented on the AMSA Advisory Committee.  ASA is also represented on many operational advisory committees relating to specific areas of AMSA business including:

  • Navigation Services Advisory Committee (NSAC)
  • Bulk Cargo Advisory Group (BCAG)
  • Torres Strait Advisory Group
  • National Plan Management Committee
  • Great Barrier Reef Reporting System Consultative Committee
  • Australian Search & Rescue Consultative Committee
  • Seafarers Welfare Advisory Committee

 

Australian Maritime Defence Council

ASA is a member of the Australian Maritime Defence Council (AMDC), which is a non-statutory body established by the Minister for Defence.  AMDC’s mission is to promote and foster the partnership between Defence and the maritime industry operating in Australia, as well as to facilitate the provision of effective advice and support to Government on maritime-related issues.  The AMDC comprises of a Chairman (Deputy Chief of Navy) and members who hold specific appointments within Defence and the Australian maritime industry.

Several ASA members are also members of the AMDC in their own right.

Maritime Industry Security Consultative Forum

The Maritime Industry Security Consultative Forum (MISCF) provides the Office of Transport Security with an opportunity to consult with a cross section of participants in the maritime industry.

ASA represents its member’s interests at MISCF in relation to the implementation of the International Ship and Port Security Code, ship security plans and the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

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