Deborah O'Neill (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We truly are a nation continent and a continent nation. The advancement of air travel and air freight has changed much, just as the NBN will bring even more change to how we connect from our island home to the rest of the world. But the movement of physical goods to and from our shores and the prosperity of our nation will always be inextricably linked to the global shipping trade. As global citizens aware of our international obligations, it is important that we ensure that the Maritime Labour Convention is ratified and enforced globally and that we enforce it in our domestic law. In duly exercising the authority to govern secured at the last election, the Gillard government has committed itself to ensuring that responsible and commendable legislation will be advanced. This legislative amendment is both commendable and responsible. I commend the bill to the House and urge its prompt passage through this place.

Debate adjourned.

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