Bob Day (SA, Family First Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Leyonhjelm move:

That the Senate calls on the Government to engage the Productivity Commission to review the Australian domestic shipping industry, to report on:

(a) the impediments to productivity in the sector;

(b) any consequential impacts on the productivity of the Australian agricultural, resources or other sectors arising from those impediments; and

(c) whether aspects of the European 'Motorways of the Sea' system could deliver productivity benefits to the Australian economy and domestic shipping.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor was not consulted on the words of this motion. While shipping policy necessarily includes productivity issues, it goes well beyond that to issues as strategic industry policy, Australian skills development, environmental protection, national security and the management of reliable risk. Referring shipping to the Productivity Commission is unlikely to further this debate including because the PC has recently looked at Tasmanian shipping and freight. The opposition has indicated it is willing to work with the rest of parliament to make changes to existing shipping laws, where this is consistent with supporting a revitalised coastal and international shipping industry that employs Australians.

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I request leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not sure where Senator Leyonhjelm and Senator Day have been the last three or four months, but we have actually been running forums around this. These guys have stepped up to the plate. They are working it out off their own bats. Doing anything else is just not feasible. We have got a long way into this. There will be legislation presented over the next few months. You have been getting the same information that everybody else has. Those forums run, and I invite you to attend them—feel free.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 992 moved by Senator Day be agreed to.