Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Brown, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) that many of the world's 1.6 million seafarers are currently trapped on board ships as shore leave has been cancelled due to COVID-19, including many hundreds of Australian seafarers, and the cancellation of shore leave for workers who have been at sea for up to nine months can have a significant impact on the seafarers' physical and mental health, and

(ii) for over 20 years, Sister Mary Leahy, known as the angel of Sydney's waterfront, has worked as Chaplain to seafarers either visiting or based in Sydney — Sister Mary's work is praised by seafarers and shipping company CEOs alike; and

(b) records its thanks to Sister Mary, and her team of volunteers, for the important work she is undertaking with, and on behalf of, seafarers during these most challenging times.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to 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.