Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government, through AMSA, enforces the rights of seafarers to decent working and living conditions under the maritime labour convention. That includes the right of seafarers to choose not to extend their contracts and to seek repatriation. There are significant challenges to crew changes in the COVID-19 environment resulting from border closures, the lack of aviation services and quarantine arrangements. On 9 April the national cabinet agreed that the Australian government and all states and territories would implement a consistent and immediate exemption for all non-cruise maritime crew for the safe movement of crew into Australia and across borders.

The exemption allows for an international crew change with appropriate health protocols being met. Shore leave is permitted once a 14-day quarantine period on the vessel has elapsed and no crew member has demonstrated signs of illness or is suspected of having COVID-19. Some states and territories have additional requirements. The Australian government is working with states and territories regarding their individual jurisdiction requirements, with the desired outcome of more specific advice on how crew changes could occur effectively within Australia.

Question agreed to.