Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

Perhaps it will assist if I sum up the second reading debate on the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Amendment (Maritime Security Guards and Other Measures) Bill 2005 [2006]. I think a number of senators have followed this debate very closely. As senators know, the bill strengthens the maritime transport and offshore arrangements and empowers maritime security guards to respond to unauthorised incursions into maritime security zones by persons, vehicles or vessels. It authorises maritime security guards to seek information from persons found in maritime security zones, while placing safeguards on the exercise of these information-seeking powers. It provides an appropriate offence regime to encourage compliance with maritime security guards’ requests and also provides new arrangements for directing a regulated Australian ship to operate at a higher security level when it is in waters identified as at higher risk.

The need for additional powers for maritime security guards to move unauthorised persons, vehicles and vessels from maritime security zones was identified during the comprehensive assessment of Australia’s maritime security policy settings by the Secretaries Committee on National Security last year, which involved key industry leaders. Further consultation, as senators would know, was undertaken by the Department of Transport and Regional Services with the maritime industry, security companies, state and territory police, maritime unions and relevant Australian government agencies. This helped refine and strengthen the framework for the move-on power.

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee has conducted an inquiry into the bill, accepted the need for the bill and recommended that it be passed. The government has noted the comments by Labor and Greens senators that draft regulations were not provided to the committee. In relation to that, let me say that the regulations are currently being developed in consultation with the maritime industry, unions and security guard providers.

The government looks forward to the passage of this bill within the current sitting period of the parliament. This will enable the maritime industry to draw upon these new powers as soon as possible to enhance the safeguarding of Australian ports and ships. It is in everyone’s interest that we ensure the speedy passage of this bill. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question negatived.

Original question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.