Maritime
Australia relies on sea transport for 99 per cent of our exports. A substantial proportion of our domestic freight also depends on coastal shipping.
The Australian Government, through the Department, contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by supporting and enhancing our maritime industry.
The Department supports an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly maritime transport system, including an effective regulatory framework for shipping and environmental and safety regulations.
After approximately three years of planning, public and whole of Government consultation, extensive drafting, and through the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by all stakeholders, the re-written Navigation Act 1912 as the Navigation Act 2012 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 13 September 2012.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has announced the launch of a key discussion paper on shipping reform. The discussion paper sets out approaches to the Governments shipping reforms, based on the three pillars of regulatory reforms, fiscal assistance and skills initiatives.
Comments on this discussion paper are sought by the end of January 2011.
Part X of the Trade Practices Act 1974, including details on registration of conference agreements and general contact details.
On 1 January 2011 the Trade Practices Act 1974 was renamed the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport is reviewing this website and its publications to reflect this name change. Part X remains unchanged however any operations not adequately registered under Part X may be subject to the new legislation which forms part of the renamed Act.
Information on this new legislation or the new Australian Consumer Law (ACL) which forms part of the renamed Act can be obtained by contacting the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or visit the Australian Government website www.accc.gov.au or www.consumerlaw.gov.au for detailed guidance to the new law.
Liability and Compensation for Maritime Incidents
Information about national and international regulatory schemes designed to determine liability for maritime incidents and ensure adequate and prompt compensation for damage caused by such incidents.
Visit this page for information on the issuing of licences, coastal permits including information for applicants and a link to summary of cargo.
This section provides information on safe shipping, accident investigations and the transportation of hazardous materials.
National Maritime Safety Regulator
On 2 July 2009, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to implement national regulation for maritime safety with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority becoming the national safety regulator for all commercial shipping in Australian waters.
Information about special measures to enhance maritime security including security ID cards, legislation, security plans and maritime security incident reporting.
Information about measures to security regulate Australia’s offshore oil and gas industry including details about the legislation and security plans.
Visit this page for information on maritime programs, including various freight equalisation schemes.
Link to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economic (BITRE) statistical shipping information.
Information about the Department’s role in protecting the marine environment from the harmful effects of shipping.
A listing of Departmental publications related to maritime.