Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I move amendment (1) as circulated in my name:

(1) Schedule 1, page 11 (after line 6), after item 29, insert:

29A At the end of paragraph 132(6)(b)

  Add “and”.

29B Paragraph 132(6)(c)

  Repeal the paragraph.

The Greens commend the government for introducing this bill. It is a welcome move. It will implement into Australian law a number of important provisions in the Maritime Labour Convention. They are, as has been described, a bill of rights for seafarers. They will extend some important rights and protections for those working in the industry.

One of those important rights is the right to get medical care, as has been mentioned previously in the debate. However, the Greens see that there is no reason to impose a minimum qualifying period of seven days, as is set out in the bill, before medical care is to be made available. It is not something that is required in the convention. It is not something that would be a common standard in society, and one could readily imagine instances in which someone would be ill for a period of fewer than seven days but nonetheless be deserving of protection. On that basis we move the small amendment that has been circulated in my name. I thank the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers for drawing this to my attention. I commend the amendment to the House.

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