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Shipping Reform

New coastal shipping arrangements are due to come into effect on 1 July 2012.  The Bills that form the Stronger Shipping for a Stronger Economy reform agenda were introduced into Parliament on 22 March 2012.  The Bills include:

  • Shipping Reform (Tax Incentives) Bill—to provide for conditions for vessels to access the tax exemption and other tax concessions;
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Shipping Reform) Bill(s)—cognate legislation amending the Income Tax Assessment Acts to give effect to the tax exemption and other tax concessions;
  • Shipping Registration Amendment (Australian International Shipping Register) Bill—to establish the new international shipping register, and provide for its operation, administration and employment conditions;
  • Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Bill—to replace Part VI of the Navigation Act 1912 and establish a new regulatory framework and licensing system for vessels engaged in coastal trading in Australian waters; and
  • Coastal Trading (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill—to consequentially amend existing relevant legislation to ensure consistency with the new regime, and to provide for transitional arrangements.

On 22 March 2012 the Bills were referred to:

  • Senate Economics Legislation Committee
  • House Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications

The reports are due to be released by these Committees progressively over the next two months.

The progress of the Bills through Parliament may be tracked by accessing the APH website, at http://www.aph.gov.au/ and opening the Bills tab and selecting the title of the Bill.

Copies of the Bills can be accessed below:

  • Shipping Reform (Tax Incentives) Bill 2012 [PDFPDF: 60 KB]
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Shipping Reform) Bill(s) 2012 [PDFPDF: 55 KB]
  • Shipping Registration Amendment (Australian International Shipping Register) Bill 2012 [PDFPDF: 133 KB]
  • Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Bill 2012 [PDFPDF: 171 KB]
  • Coastal Trading (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2012 [PDFPDF: 51 KB]

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport is currently drafting of the associated regulations for each of the Bills.  Consultation with stakeholders on what is to be expected from 1 July under the new legislative arrangements will commence mid-May.  In the meantime, the Department is happy to continue liaising with industry regarding any concerns.

Submissions on Exposure Drafts of Bills

Shipping Reform (Tax Incentives) and Tax Laws Amendment (Shipping Reform) Bills

Shipping Registration (Australian International Shipping Register) Bill

2nd Exposure Draft Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Bill

Supporting Documents

Coastal Trading 1st Exposure Draft

Other Supporting Documents

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Last Updated: 27 April, 2012