Good news for Australia’s cruise industry with the government extending the exemption of the Coastal Trading Act to support cruise operations.
The exemption will be extended until December 31, 2028, a move that the government says will provide certainty to the cruise and tourism sectors.
“Cruise tourism is an important driver of economic growth in Australia,” said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
“We want the cruise industry to keep thriving and showcasing our country’s diverse regions to both local and international visitors.
“This means ensuring a fair go for the hard-working seafarers who make cruising holidays possible for Australians, while continuing the exemption to support the cruise tourism industry and our port towns that rely on it.”
The government says that it expects all vessels benefitting from this exemption to fully comply with their international legal obligations, including under the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC).
The exemption sits alongside a comprehensive international and Australian regulatory framework governing maritime safety, security and seafarer welfare.
Cruise lines already operate under robust local and international regulation and oversight, including that of bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The extension has been welcomed by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which points out that cruise tourism creates economic benefits worth more than $7 billion a year.
The organisation adds that regulatory certainty is essential to protect more than 22,000 Australian jobs that rely on the sector.
“Our members are in the business of providing Australians with outstanding holiday choices and are committed to meeting their obligations and working constructively with regulators to support a safe and sustainable cruise industry,” said Joel Katz (left), CLIA Executive Director in Australasia.
“The dedicated and professional crew members onboard cruise ships are central to delivering that experience.
“By making the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) explicit within the exemption, the Government is reinforcing obligations that cruise lines are already required to meet. In Australia, those obligations are subject to oversight by AMSA.”
The Government intends for this to be the final exemption for cruise vessels. Broader reforms to the Act are currently being progressed and will provide longer-term certainty for the cruise sector.
These reforms are also intended to help protect seafarers’ rights and strengthen Australia’s sovereign maritime capability.
