Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Minister for Transport and Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

Obviously I would have to take a question of that detail on notice, but I remind the member the regulations have been recently amended and changed. Because of the tightening of recent rules and the relatively recent action of that, it would not surprise me if there had not been any prosecutions yet because those rules have not had time to take effect. But I will certainly take the question on notice, and, if there is anything useful that I can convey to the honourable member for Batman, I will be happy to do so.

Returning to antifouling systems on ships: I am pleased to see there was a high level of unanimity. I agree with those members who spoke about the importance of this legislation and its capacity to help improve and maintain the pristine quality of our marine environment. Scientific studies have shown that some antifouling compounds used on ships pose a substantial threat to marine organisms and human health as a result of the consumption of seafood. The bill addresses those concerns and recognises the importance of protecting the marine environment and human health from the adverse effects of harmful antifouling compounds. The measures in the bill will protect Australia’s marine environment and human health from the pollution caused by organotin compounds used in antifouling paints through the application of current and advanced environmental standards.

It will also fulfil the government’s commitment in Australia’s Oceans Policy to ban the application of tributyltin, or TBT, to vessels being repainted in Australian docks and will support the International Maritime Organisation in promoting an international ban on the use of TBT in antifouling paint. Ratification by Australia of the IMO’s International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships is dependent upon the passage of this legislation. The bill has general support from industry and other stakeholders and demonstrates the government’s continuing efforts to enhance Australian marine pollution prevention regime.

Again, I thank those members who have contributed to the debte on this bill and recognise the support it has in the community and amongst members of parliament. I commend the legislation to the committee.

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