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Maritime Related Guide to Australian Government - Related Committees

Committee Outline of maritime-related activities Internet Address

Australian Ballast Water Management Advisory Council

Sponsored by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. (Also see National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group below.)

For more information on Ballast Water requirements:

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/avm/vessels

AQIS Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC)

The AICCC is the principal advisory forum for AQIS and the cargo handling and importing industry to consult on all issues arising from the management of Australia's Import Clearance and Seaport quarantine strategy.

The objective of the AICCC is to provide AQIS and industry with a consultative forum directed, inter alia, at enabling AQIS to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the pre-border, border and post-border quarantine controls and, wherever possible, coordinate the functions of the concerned parties to avoid duplication and facilitate the smooth and seamless flow of vessels through ports, and cargo/goods through Australian sea and airports. The AICCC:

  • acts as the peak industry consultative group between AQIS and the cargo handling/importing industry on all operational, policy, efficiency and strategic issues;
  • considers and provides advice to AQIS on matters relevant to the cargo handling/importing industry;
  • ensures that it acts as an effective conduit for information exchange between the cargo handling/importing industry and AQIS.

For more information or to contact the AICCC:

http://www.aiccc.com

Australian Logistics Council (ALC)

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC):

  • provides leadership within the freight logistics industry by encouraging industry collaboration on issues of mutual interest;
  • provides advice to all governments on logistics matters that relate to the mutual interests of the freight logistics industry;
  • improves the image and profile of the freight logistics industry to encourage greater acceptance by governments and the community of the important role the industry plays in our economy; and
  • drives the implementation of the Australian Logistics Industry Strategy.

The ALC omprises government and industry representatives.

For more information or to contact the ALC:

http://www.ozlogistics.org

Australian Maritime Group (AMG)

The AMG is an inter-governmental group that brings together the peak maritime organisations at state and national level to discuss key issues of importance to the maritime sector. The AMG inputs maritime transport initiatives to the Australian Transport Council.

For membership details or to contact the AMG:

http://www.atcouncil.gov.au then to Membership.

Australian National Search and Rescue Council (NSARC)

The role of the NSARC is to formulate, discuss and ratify national search and rescue (SAR) policies. The mission of the NSARC is to develop and maintain an effective, efficient and integrated national SAR system that meets international obligations and domestic requirements. The NSARC aims are to:

  • ensure uniformity and consistency in SAR procedures within the Australian region through the maintenance of the National SAR Manual;
  • promote effective coordination between Federal, State and Territory SAR authorities;
  • share information on SAR issues; and
  • provide guidance for a cooperative approach to the training of SAR practitioners.

To get more information or to contact the NSARC:

http://natsar.amsa.gov.au

Australian Transport Council (ATC)

The ATC comprises Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for transport, roads, marine and ports issues. The Papua-New Guinea Minister responsible for transport matters, and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) have formal “observer” status on the Council.

The vision of the ATC is to maximise the contribution of effective transport to Australia's productivity, quality of life and equity. In pursuing this vision, the ATC recognises that transport is "seamless", both between modes and between domestic and international transport.

To make the vision a reality, the ATC will be seeking to achieve a transport system that is efficient, safe, sustainable, accessible and competitive.

For more information or to contact the ATC

http://www.atcouncil.gov.au

Customs National Consultative Committee (CNCC)

The CNCC is a national forum for communicating policies, practices and procedures relevant to the trading community. It provides an opportunity at the national level, for discussion of Customs policies, practices and procedures relevant to the trading community, and to work in partnership to resolve any difficulties. The CNCC meets quarterly.

For more information or to contact the CNCC:

http://www.customs.gov.au

Integrated Logistics Network (ILN)

The ILN mission is to create and promote a coordinated national strategy for the future of transport logistics in Australia. It consists of senior government transport logistics officials.

For more information:

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/freight/index.aspx

Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JFADT)

A committee of the Federal Parliament that recently completed an inquiry into Australia's maritime strategy, primarily related to defence. See Report No 117, Australia's Maritime Strategy, tabled 21 June 2004.

For more information on this report or to see what
the JFADT is currently considering:

http://www.aph.gov.au

then to House / Committees / JFADT

Marine and Coastal Committee (MACC)

The MACC is a national body of Commonwealth and State/Territory officers reporting through the Natural Resource Management Standing Committee (NRMSC) to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Its role is to:

  • advise and support the NRMSC and, as required, the Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC) on issues of national significance relating to the conservation and ecologically sustainable development of marine and coastal ecosystems and resources;
  • provide an ongoing framework to consider issues related to sustainable industry development in the marine and coastal zone;
  • focus on the need for an integrated and strategic approach which is capable of delivering outcomes;
  • establish subordinate structures/taskforces to advance the Committee's work program and direct, monitor and review their work; and
  • liaise with the Land, Water and Biodiversity Committee and the Program Committee of the NRMSC and the PISC.

For more information on the MACC:

http://www.mincos.gov.au /nrm_sc_committees.htm
#marine

Marine Industries Strategic Industry Leaders Group

The Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources established the Marine Industries Action Agenda in January 2004 to provide a national focus for the marine and shipbuilding management industries.

A Leaders Group has been formed and an Action Agenda developed. The Group's priority areas include the business environment, taxation, training and education, investment, research and development, standards and market development and access. The Leaders Group had their inaugural meeting on 19 April 2004 at Forgacs Cairncross Dockyard, Brisbane.

For more information:

http://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/Marine/Pages/MarineIndustry.aspx

National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (NCCOE)

Major activities currently undertaken by the Committee include:

  • development of
    • Coastal Engineering Guidelines for Working with the Australian Coast in an Ecologically Sustainable Way;
    • Guidelines for Responding to the Effects of Climate Change;
  • accreditation of Coastal and Ocean Engineering courses; and
  • response to infrastructure and asset management issues in the coastal zone and sustainable development issues.

For more information or to contact the NCCOE:

http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au

then search for nccoe/coelinks.htm

National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group

A Group established to develop the framework and arrangements for the National System for the Prevention and Management of Introduced Marine Pests. (Also see the Australian Ballast Water Management Advisory Council above.)

For more information on the Australian Government's
response to the issue of introduced marine pests:

http://www.daff.gov.au/ and search for the
National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group

National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC)

The NMSC is an intergovernmental committee established to achieve uniform marine safety legislation and practices throughout Australia. The committee is comprised of senior executives of marine safety agencies throughout Australia with the New Zealand Maritime Safety Agency having observer status. The NMSC reports through the Australian Maritime Group to the Australian Transport Council.

For more information on the NMSC:

http://www.nmsc.gov.au

National Plan Management Committee (NPMC)

The NPMC role is to undertake strategic management of the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances, including the setting of broad policy directions, recommendations to Ministers on funding arrangements, and monitoring the provision of agreed services by National Plan participants.

For more information on the National Plan and NPMC:

http://www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection
/National_Plan/Contingency_Plans_and_Management
/National_Plan_Management_Committee.asp

National Counter Terrorism Committee (NCTC)

The NCTC is the national coordinating body for counter-terrorism in Australia. It is co-chaired by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and a State/Territory senior official.

The NCTC is responsible for the National Counter Terrorism Plan

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government includes the Office of Transport Security.

The National Security Hotline (1800 123 400) is part of the Protective Security Coordination Centre within the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department.

For more information on the NCTC:

http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/ then to What Governments are doing/National Counter Terrorism Committee

Permanent Committee on Tides and Mean Sea Level (PCTMSL)

The PCTMSL is a technical sub-committee of the Inter-governmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM).

It has representation from the Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS), the National Tidal Facility Australia (NTFA), National Mapping Division of Geoscience Australia, CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Antarctic Division, Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities (AAPMA), Australian Academy of Science, and from each State and local port authorities.

The role of the PCTMSL is to:

  • coordinate a national database of tidal records;
  • develop national standards and best practice guidelines for tidal related matters;
  • and act as a focal point for national enquiries relating to tides and mean sea level.

For further information or to contact the PCTMSL:

http://www.icsm.gov.au

then tides and sea level

Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT)

SCOT supports the ATC with a nominee of each ATC Minister, who is generally head of Department or agency level. SCOT is supported by a formal committee structure that provides advice on a range of policy and technical matters. The SCOT modal groups include the Australian Maritime Group.

For further information on membership or to contact SCOT:

http://www.atcouncil.gov.au

the About Us/Membership.aspx
Australian Government-Related Departments and Agencies 
Department/Agency Outline of maritime-related activities Internet Address

Australian Communications Authority and Media Authority (ACMA)
  • Management of access to marine radio spectrum through licensing; including:
    • individual ship and coast stations and class licences
    • determination of Operator Qualifications
    • Immarsat-C licences (noting that Immarsat-C used for Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for fisheries management does not require a licence).
  • Provision of information to seafarers about marine radio communications issues, including publication of ACA Information Papers on:
    • Maritime Coast Stations - Certificates of Proficiency
    • Maritime Ship Stations - Certificates of Proficiency
    • Marine Certificates of Proficiency Fact Sheet
  • Investigation and resolution of interference to marine radio communications.
  • Provision of international frequency coordination service and advocacy for marine radio communications issues.
  • Location of Emergency Indicating Radio (Distress) Beacons (EPIRBs) on behalf of Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR).

For more information:

http://www.acma.gov.au

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
  • Management of fisheries:
    • on the high seas
    • within the 200 nautical mile Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ)
    • as agreed with individual States, to the low water mark.
  • Provision of management, advisory, compliance and licensing services.
  • Implementation of appropriate fisheries management arrangements.
  • Processing of licensing and entitlements transactions for all Commonwealth fisheries (excluding Torres Strait).
  • Collection of licence fees and management levies from foreign and domestic fishers.
  • Administration of research funding, Fisheries Assessment Groups and Management Advisory Committees.
  • Management of Data Collection Program.
  • Provision of Professional Observer Services.

For more information:

http://www.afma.gov.au

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
  • Conduct of research through the following three Research Groups:
    • Conservation and Biodiversity
    • Coastal Processes
    • Marine Biotechnology
  • Operation of the AIMS research vessels:
    • RV Cape Ferguson
    • RV Lady Basten.

For more information:

http://www.aims.gov.au

Australian Hydrographic Service
  • Publication and maintenance of the National Chart Series.
  • Promulgation of Notices to Mariners.
  • Publication of the:
    • Australian National Tide Tables
    • Australian series of Sailing Directions
    • other nautical publications.
  • Compilation and maintenance of the Australian hydrographic data collection.

For more information:

http://www.hydro.gov.au

Australian Maritime College (AMC)
  • Conduct of:
    • undergraduate and post graduate tertiary education
    • training in maritime operations and marine engineering
    • research.
  • Provision of consulting services.
  • Operation of the following facilities:
    • marine simulation centre (integrated marine simulator and machinery space simulator)
    • ship hydrodynamics centre (towing tank and model test basin)
    • fatigue testing facility
    • cavitation tunnel
    • flume tank
    • emergency response centre
    • stationary training ship Stephen Brown
    • operation of the AMC training vessels: (a) FTV Bluefin (fisheries research and training), (b) TV Wyuna, (c) FTV Reviresco (fisheries research and training).

For more information:

http://www.amc.edu.au

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
  • Marine environment protection, including for example:
    • enforcement (with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police as necessary) of environmental standards for ships in Commonwealth jurisdiction
    • liaison with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) on IMO activities
    • enforcement of legislation relating to the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships
  • Search and rescue (SAR) management and coordination, including for example:
    • stewardship of AusSAR - part of AMSA and the national SAR organisation
    • continuous operation (ie 24 hrs) of the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) within AusSAR
  • Licensing crew members of Australian ships operating under the Navigation Act 1912, including the determination of crew competencies and the conduct of examinations.
  • Shipping safety regulation, including for example:
    • provision of Marine Notices and Marine Orders
    • conduct of Port State Control ship seaworthiness inspections
    • publication of codes, manuals and reports for ship and ship-related operations
    • stewardship of: -
      - AUSREP and REEFREP ship reporting systems
      - shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS)
  • Shipping registration, including operation of the Australian Shipping Registration Office.
  • Operation and maintenance of the Federal Government's coastal marine aids to navigation network (beacons, etc), including the administration of marine navigation levies.
  • Issue of GMDSS General Operators Certificates of Proficiency (GOCP) to Operators of a Ship Station Class C or a Major Coast Station.

For more information:

http://www.amsa.gov.au

Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
  • Audit of the Management of the Australian Navigational Aids Network (AMSA): Audit Report No 49, 2002-03.

For more information:

http://www.anao.gov.au

Australian Oceanography Data Centre (AODC)
  • Participation in various national and international oceanographic data collection, exchange and management programs.

For more information:

http://www.aodc.gov.au

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
  • Inspection of overseas vessels at first port of call in Australia to assess the hygiene of food preparation and storage areas and to ensure the vessel is not harbouring prohibited animals, quarantine risk material, quarantinable disease, vermin or exotic insects to enable the granting of pratique.
  • Inspection services for the issuance of de-rat certification.
  • Monitoring of ballast water management arrangements, waste disposal systems, animal and plants on board vessels and inspections for Asian Gypsy Moth and exotic bees.
  • Wharf surveillance activities, quarantine signage on wharves and port environs, onshore waste management and clearance of passengers from vessels.
  • Vector monitoring around seaports for the entry of exotic mosquitoes that could be vectors of human disease, and other insect that pose threats to animal and plant health vectors (such as Screw Worm Fly and bluetongue vectors.)
  • Publication of the Maritime Awareness Kit.

For more information:

http://www.daff.gov.au 

Australian Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Seacare) Authority
  • Monitoring of the operation of the Seafarers Act.
  • Promotion of high operational standards of claims management and effective rehabilitation procedures by employers.
  • Cooperation with other bodies or persons with the aim of reducing the incidence of injuries to employees.
  • Accreditation of occupational health and safety (OH&S) training.
  • OH&S statistics.
  • Advice to the Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.

For more information:

http://www.seacare.gov.au

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
  • Conduct of investigations to determine and report on the circumstances and causes of marine incidents (through the Marine Investigations Unit).
  • Administration of the:
    • accident reporting system under the Transport Safety Investigation Act and Regulations 2003
    • Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme (CMRS) under the Navigation (Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme) Regulations 2004.
  • Maintenance of transport accident statistics and cross modal safety comparisons.

For more information:

http://www.atsb.gov.au

then Marine Safety

Bureau of Meteorology
  • Marine weather and warnings.
  • Coastal waters forecasts.
  • Publication of mini guides to marine services.

For more information:

http://www.bom.gov.au

CSIRO Division of Marine Research
  • Conduct of key biological, chemical and physical research in Australia's marine territory and adjacent oceans, in the following five priority areas:
    • healthy marine ecosystems
    • sustainable fisheries
    • sustainable aquaculture production
    • understanding the ocean's role in climate
    • marine environment prediction
  • Provision of knowledge, solutions and advice to government, environment and industry groups about the marine environment.
  • Operation of research vessel RV Southern Surveyor.

For more information:

http://www.cmar.csiro.au

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA)
  • Stewardship of:
    • AQIS (see separate entry)
    • AFMA (see separate entry)
    • Biosecurity Australia (including Import Risk Analyses and Export Market Access Program)
    • Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel (SFRARP)
    • National Aquaculture Policy Statement (jointly with States and NT)
    • Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda (jointly with AusIndustry)
    • Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
    • Seafood Services Australia, including the Seafood Industry Development Fund - jointly with FRDC)
    • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Structural Adjustment Package - 2004 (joint stewardship with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry but administered through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA)
    • Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch (jointly with The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts).
  • First point of contact for aquaculture issues in the Federal Government.

For more information:

http://www.daff.gov.au/
http://www.afma.gov.au
http://www.frdc.com.au
http://www.seafoodservices.net
http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au

Department of Education, Employments and Workplace Relations
  • Stewardship of: (a) Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program, (b) Australian Research Council.
  • Administration of:
    • Jobs Pathway Program
    • New Apprenticeships Incentives and Access Programs
    • Group Training Program
    • Industry Training Strategies Program.
  • Publication of the Jobs Guide 2004.

For more information:

https://www.crc.gov.au
http://www.arc.gov.au
http://www.deewr.gov.au 

Department of Innovation, Science and Research (AusIndustry)
  • Development of the Marine Industries Action Agenda.
  • Stewardship of:
    • Marine Industries Strategic Industry Leaders Group
    • Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme
    • Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda (jointly with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
    • Geosciences Australia (see separate entry).
  • Processing of scheme claims for payment (up to one year after the termination of each scheme).
  • Administration of the Tradex Scheme (up-front exemptions from customs duty and GST on imported goods that are intended for direct export or imported goods that are used, lost or wasted in the manufacture of other goods that are exported later on).
  • Establishment of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (inaugural CEO appointed 1 July 2004).

For more information:

http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/Pages/AusIndustry.aspx
http://www.adas.org.au/

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government(Infrastructure)
  • Maritime Branch focuses on maritime transport as a key enabler in the productivity of Australian businesses, while ensuring safety and environmental risks are managed at a level acceptable to the Australian community. In pursuit of this, Maritime Branch undertakes a range of core activities including:
    • development, implementation and administration of maritime policy and legislation, for example:

    - Part VI of the Navigation Act 1912 covering the Coasting Trade
    - Part X of the Trade Practices Act 1974
    - oversight of AMSA under its Act
    - strategic policy on ports in consultation with the Nation Building program

    • delivery of administered programmes, including:

    - International Maritime Organization - Contribution
    - Oil Pollution Compensation Fund
    - Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation
    - Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme
    - Tasmanian Wheat Freight Scheme

    • participation in domestic and international forums developing regulatory and maritime approaches to maritime issues.
  • The Department is also responsible for maritime transport security arrangements through the Office of Transport Security, for example:
    • the Maritime Transport and Offshore Security Act and Regulations and implementation of ISPS requirements
    • Maritime Security Identify Card (MSIC) implementation and ongoing management
    • approval of maritime industry participants' security plans.
  • Stewardship of:
    • Australian Transport Council (ATC) - Commonwealth and State/Territory Ministers
    • Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT) - Commonwealth and State/Territory heads of departments including the Australian Maritime Group (AMG)
    • ATSB (see separate entry)
    • National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC)
    • Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE).

Fore more information:

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au
http://www.atsb.gov.au
http://www.nmsc.gov.au

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
  • Management of the estate of Australia's marine protected areas [under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)], including for example:
    • protection of the Commonwealth Marine Area, Ramsar wetlands, cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), including the Australian Whale Sanctuary
    • management of aquaculture proposals and projects in the Great Barrier Reef region, Commonwealth fisheries, Ministerial declarations of Listed Marine Species (under s.248 of the EPBC Act).
  • Stewardship of:
    • National Oceans Office (see separate entry)
    • Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
    • Bureau of Meteorology (see separate entry)
    • Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch (jointly with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
    • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (see separate entry)
    • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Structural Adjustment Package - 2004 (joint stewardship with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry but administered through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA).

For more information:

http://www.environment.gov.au/
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/
http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au
http://www.bom.gov.au
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au
http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au

Geoscience Australia
  • Provision of data, technical information, advice and research for maritime boundary definition, regional marine planning and environmental management.
  • Stewardship of Australian National Marine Data Group (responsible for development and promotion of improved standards and processes for interchange of Marine Data in the Australian Marine Jurisdiction).

For more information:

http://www.ga.gov.au

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
  • Administration of a system of integrated management of the Marine Park, including for example:
    • preparation of plans of management for intensively used, or particularly vulnerable groups of islands and reefs (currently Cairns, Hinchinbrook and Whitsundays), protection of vulnerable species or ecological communities, specific sites
    • implementation of the 25 year strategic plan
    • zoning designations and plans
    • issue of permits.
  • Conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for developments within the Marine Park, jointly with the Queensland Environment Protection Agency.
  • Management of potentially impacting activities outside the Marine Park through the GBRMPA Water Quality Critical Issues Group, in conjunction with the Queensland Environment Protection Agency or the local council
  • Fisheries management, including administration of the East Coast Trawl Management Plan.

For more information:

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au

Productivity Commission
  • Inquiry into towage and related services in Australia
  • 2004-05 review of Part X of the Trade Practices Act 1974: International Liner Cargo Shipping.
  • Inquiry into the Subsidisation of Containerised and Bulk Shipping between the Australian Mainland and Tasmania.

For more information:

http://www.pc.gov.au

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Last Updated: 11 August, 2009