Michael Keenan (Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my fellow MPs for their support of the Protection of the Sea Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 and for contributions that have been made. I look forward to this bill passing the House and the other place.

The amendments contained in this bill primarily implement international maritime environmental protection obligations adopted at the International Maritime Organization into our domestic law. Through the IMO Australia has played an important role in developing the amendments. The key amendments will ensure the master of a ship has vital information in relation to the cargo on board. This allows the master to discharge cargo residues appropriately, depending on the location of the vessel and the nature of residues discharged. Importantly, those residues can now be discharged into the sea in a defined set of circumstances where it has been determined that the residues are not harmful to the marine environment.

The amendments are consistent with Australia's longstanding support for protecting the marine environment, and implementing them further highlights our commitment to the International Maritime Organization. It is my view that Australia's maritime interests are best advanced through internationally agreed arrangements, including through the IMO. These amendments will also allow Australia to apply our international obligations through domestic legislation and ensure we are keeping up with the IMO's frequent amendment and adoption cycle.

The bill also makes a machinery change to the Protection of the Sea (Shipping Levy Collection) Act 1981, removing the need for regulations to prescribe the manner in which a protection of the sea levy notice may be served in particular circumstances. This minor change will allow the Protection of the Sea (Shipping Levy Collection) Regulations to be repealed, removing a dated and now unnecessary piece of legislation.

Combined, these amendments will ensure Australia remains compliant with our international obligations and has consistent and effective maritime legislation. I thank the House for its support.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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