Maritime Related Guide to Australian Government - Related Committees

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 through the Standing Committee on Transport, to the Australian Transport Council.

For membership details or to contact the AMG: 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.

For more information: 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: 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: www.customs.gov.au

Marine and Coastal Committee (MACC)

The Marine and Coastal Committee will:

• advise and support the NRMSC (and Primary Industries Standing Committee (PISC), as appropriate) 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 Programs Committee and other bodies, as appropriate, on matters relevant to the activities of the Marine and Coastal Committee.

For more information on the MACC: www.mincos.gov.au/nrm_standing_committee/nrmmc_advisory_committees#marine

National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group (NIMPCG)

A Group established to develop the framework and arrangements for the National System for the Prevention and Management of Introduced Marine Pests.

For more information on the Australian Government's response to the issue of introduced marine pests: www.marinepests.gov.au/national_system/how-it-works

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, the Standing Committee on Transport, and the Australian Transport Council.

For more information: 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: www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection/National_Plan/Contingency_Plans_and_Management/National_Plan_Management_Committee.asp

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: www.atcouncil.gov.au then Membership

Australian Government - Related Departments and Agencies

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Department (AQIS) of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

For more information on Ballast Water requirements: www.daff.gov.au/aqis/avm/vessels

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, businesses and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure services. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws.

Maritime related projects include:

• Part X Trade Practices Act 1974, handling of complaints; and
• Stevedoring, monitoring of reports.

For more information see: www.accc.gov.au

Australian Communications Authority and Media Authority (ACMA)

The ACMA is committed to helping the maritime community get the most out of marine radio and marine satellite communications. ACMA's role includes:

• managing access to marine radio spectrum through individual ship and coast station licences and class licences;
• providing information to seafarers about marine radiocommunications issues;
• investigating and resolving interference to marine radiocommunications;
• providing international frequency coordination, and advocacy, for marine radio communications issues; and
• locating Emergency Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) on behalf of Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR).

The ACMA seeks to keep the maritime community informed about marine radiocommunications issues through a wide range of publications on the ACMA website.

The ACMA is an Australian Government regulatory agency. The ACMA does not operate maritime radiocommunications or navigation networks or otherwise provide marine communications services.

The ACMA works closely with a number of other Government agencies in exercising the Government's responsibilities for maritime issues.

For more information: www.acma.gov.au / then search Maritime

Australian Maritime College (AMC), part of the University of Tasmania

Roles include:

• Providing maritime and related education and training suitable for seafarers and other participants in the maritime industry;
• Conducting examinations and assessments for marine competency under the Navigation Act 1912; and
• Conducting research activities and programs relating to maritime and related education and training, including pure and applied research, consultancies for government and industry and research training.

For more information: www.amc.edu.au

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

Roles include:

• supporting the Government's agenda for Maritime Reform;
• ensuring ongoing capacity of its search and rescue program;
• progressing pilotage issues associated with the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef, and implementing under keel clearance arrangements;
• and enhancing the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program;

AMSA's operating environment is shaped by:

• Continued support for world leading services relating to maritime safety, marine environment protection, and maritime and aviation search and rescue.
• AMSA's participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Initiatives and trends affecting the maritime industry that may have an impact on the delivery of services, including:
  • potential skills shortages in Australia;
  • volatility in financial indicators and the potential impact these may have on ship operations;
  • expanding port developments; and
  • technology developments affecting ship navigational safety, emergency and pollution response techniques, and search and rescue services.

For more information: http://www.amsa.gov.au

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)

Roles include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Publication of the Maritime Awareness Kit.

For more information: www.daff.gov.au

Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Seacare) Authority

Roles include:

• Monitoring of the operation of the Seafarers Act.
• Promotion of high operational standards of claims management and effective rehabilitation procedures by employers.
• Cooperation with their 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: www.seacare.gov.au

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA)

To protect the marine environment and industries, the Australian and state/territory governments, along with marine industries and marine scientists are implementing Australia's National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (the National System).

The National System aims to prevent new marine pests arriving, respond when a new pest does arrive and minimise the spread and impact of pests already established in Australia.

The Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) provides national leadership in the development and implementation of the National System and is the lead agency in implementing Australian Government responsibilities under the Intergovernmental Agreement on a National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (Marine IGA).

A marine pest website www.marinepests.gov.au is available and provides detailed information on the National System and sector specific marine pest management measures, including:

• marine pests and their impacts on industry and the environment
• identifying marine pests
• distribution of marine pests in Australia (interactive map)
• current marine pest outbreaks
• managing ballast water
• managing biofouling on recreational vessels, fishing vessels, commercial ships, non-trading vessels and petroleum vessels equipment and infrastructure
• the National System.

For more information: www.marinepests.gov.au

Department of Education, Employments and Workplace Relations

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is the lead government agency providing national leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace.

For more information: Fair Work Act 2009 from www.comlaw.gov.au/ and www.deewr.gov.au

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (Infrastructure)

The Maritime Policy Reform 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 Policy Reform 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 the AMSA Act
• monitoring on port related issues.
• delivery of administered programmes, including:
• International Maritime Organization - Australian strategic contribution
• International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund
• 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.

The Department is also responsible for the 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)
• National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC)
• Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE).

For more information: hwww.infrastructure.gov.au and www.nmsc.gov.au

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)

Roles include:

• 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).

For more information: www.environment.gov.au

Productivity Commission

The Productivity Commission is the independent research and advisory body for the government on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians.

For more information: www.pc.gov.au