Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to start by thanking all the senators for their contributions and their expression of support for this bill. The Australian government is committed to best practice maritime environmental protection, and the Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 will bring Australia's maritime legislation in line with the latest globally agreed amendments to international maritime conventions that Australia is party to. The bill will further strengthen our marine environment protections by introducing provisions to control the discharge of noxious liquid substances, known as persistent floaters, in certain European waters that came into force on 1 January 2021. It will extend the current ban on the use of heavy fuel oil by ships in the Antarctic to encompass Arctic waters from 1 July 2024 and ban the use of ship antifouling systems containing the toxic chemical biocide cybutryne from 1 January 2023.

By legislating these environmental controls, Australia will uphold our longstanding international reputation for promoting safe and clean shipping operations, and we will be ensuring that international standards to reduce ship pollution and protect the marine environment are being implemented consistently across the globe. The Albanese government remains committed to ensuring Australia's maritime regulatory framework remains up to date and fit for purpose to support a healthy ocean, protect coastal communities and promote sustainable trade. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.