Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

in reply—I would like to thank members for participating in this important debate on the Protection of the Sea Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 and thank all members of the House for supporting the bill. Fortunately, there have not been any oil spills in Australia on the scale of some that have occurred overseas. To date, the two most significant incidents involved the Princess Anne-Marie, off the Western Australian coast in 1975, when approximately 15,000 tonnes of oil were spilt, and the Kirki, off the Western Australian coast in 1991, when approximately 18,000 tonnes of crude oil were spilt. Australia has comprehensive arrangements in place to respond to an oil spill, yet, in spite of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women involved in response activities, there is still the potential for significant pollution damage and for this to affect a range of industries and our environment.

The bill creates a third tier of compensation for damage resulting from spills of oil from an oil tanker so that the maximum amount payable increases to 750 million special drawing rights, which is approximately $1.3 billion, per incident. The bill ensures that compensation to Australian victims following an oil spill from a tanker incident is maximised and that adequate financial resources are provided for clean-up costs, economic loss and property damage, and to help with the natural recovery of Australia’s affected marine environment. It also amends the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 and the Navigation Act 1912, giving effect to the MARPOL amendments, and amends ship levy legislation relating to the definitions of ‘Australian port’ and ‘collector’.

This is good legislation for our environment. It is unfortunate that it sat on the books of the previous government for three long years and was not enacted. For too long, many of the issues in the transport portfolio just sat on the desks of ministers, with no action taking place. This government is committed to a comprehensive transport strategy. That includes making sure that the impact of transport, including maritime, is given proper consideration. This legislation, when joined with the Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage) Bill 2008, which was previously carried by this House, does just that. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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