Media Releases
Tuesday, 9th March 2010
Today I launched the International Year of the Seafarer, an occasion to reflect on the unique but often overlooked contribution merchant seafarers make to the wellbeing of communities and the prosperity of the global economy.
The world’s 1.5 million merchant seafarers are responsible for transporting more than 90 per cent of the products and produce traded globally, a job that involves long periods of separation from family and friends as well as the risks posed by pirates and the weather.
As well as paying tribute to the dedication of seafarers and educating the community about the challenges they confront every day, the International Year of the Seafarer also gives the industry a good opportunity to step up its recruitment efforts and encourage more young people to consider a career at sea.
Without merchant seafarers global trade would collapse, leaving hundreds of millions of people without a livelihood and yet more without the necessities of life.
As an island continent, Australia is particularly reliant on the global maritime industry, with virtually all our exports and imports needing to be transported by sea. In fact, we have the 5th largest shipping task in the world.
With more than 4,000 ships – including 200 oil and chemical carriers – navigating our waters every year, many near environmental icons such as the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, Australia has a strong interest in making sure these vessels continue to be manned by highly trained and dedicated seafarers.
Organised by the Australian Shipowners Association, today’s official launch coincides with the Shipping Industry Awareness Day.
The International Year of the Seafarer is an initiative of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN agency responsible for safety, security and environmental standards within the international maritime industry. Australia is a founding and active member of the organisation.
Since being elected the Rudd Labor Government has put maritime policy back on the national agenda, initiating a parliamentary inquiry into coastal shipping, undertaking a total re-write of the Navigation Act and moving towards a single national regulator for all commercial vessels.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.