Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Sterle, I will have to reject the premise of your question. In terms of the government's record of maritime achievements, we actually have a very, very strong record of maritime achievements since 2013. Our economy relies, as you know, on safe and efficient maritime trade. Almost 80 per cent of the value of our international trade is moved by sea. As such, fishing, maritime, tourism and transport are important domestic industries. On 1 July 2018, the government took full responsibility for safety services and standards for domestic commercial vessels, which are now delivered consistently around Australia by AMSA. Industry also remains committed to phasing out two-tier vessels for live sheep exports, with AMSA implementing changes to Marine Order 43. But I would reiterate that, in terms of safety, we are committed to ensuring— (Time expired)