Senate debates

Thursday, 14 September 2006

Protection of the Sea (Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems) Bill 2006

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 7 September, on motion by Senator Ian Campbell:

That this bill be now read a second time.

12:56 pm

Photo of Richard ColbeckRichard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | | Hansard source

The Protection of the Sea (Harmful Anti-fouling Systems) Bill 2006 will protect Australia’s marine environment and population from the pollution caused by organotin compounds used in antifouling paints. It will fulfil the government’s commitment through Australia’s Oceans Policy to ban the application of tributyltin, TBT, to vessels in Australian docks. This bill builds on Australia’s existing maritime pollution prevention regime, and Australian ratification of the International Maritime Organisation’s International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships depends on the passage of this bill. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.