ITF president and Maritime Union of Australia national secretary Paddy Crumlin today welcomed the passing of bills that secure the future of Australian shipping.
The Australian government's landmark Shipping Reform Package bills today passed the Australian Parliament's House of Representatives with a narrow vote of 71 - 69. All of the speakers in favor made mention of the hard work of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) - its national secretary Paddy Crumlin and all the members involved. The bills represent over 10 years of work by the MUA, especially Mr Crumlin, and follows the endorsed support from members at the recent Seafarers’ Conference and National MUA Conference.
Mr Crumlin said this was the biggest maritime reform since the passing of the Navigation Act 100 years ago: "What Australia has done today is shown the way in international shipping. The government has demonstrated that FOC shipping can be defeated and that all seafarers have a right to work in the industry. Cabotage is back on the menu for seafarers worldwide. These bills not only protect the national flag on Australia’s coastline – they privilege it. The support of the ITF was also critical to the political will to enact these wide-ranging and internationally important reforms, and the ITF is enshrined in this legislation,” said Mr Crumlin.