Australian Strategic Fleet Update 8 - Phase 2: Independent review of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 - Public Consultation

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been notified by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) of a new round of public consultation as part of the Independent Review of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012.

This second phase of the review focuses on the following consultation papers:
  • Consultation Paper 1: A new second shipping register, 
  • Consultation Paper 2: A reformed cargo licensing framework,
  • Consultation Paper 3: A new cruise licensing framework 
These proposals build on the findings of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce and aim to revitalise Australia's coastal shipping industry by modernising key legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Background

The Coastal Trading Act 2012 regulates the carriage of cargo and passengers between Australian ports and currently supports only 11 major trading vessels operating under general licences. The reform proposals come at a time of renewed government focus on developing a strategic fleet and ensuring that shipping legislation supports a viable, competitive, and resilient maritime industry.

ResourcesFeedback

FTA/APSA will be making a submission and are seeking member feedback on these consultation papers to incorporate into a formal submission. 

Please forward your views to Tom Jensen to have your views included into the FTA/APSA submission – member feedback required by 5pm AEST, Friday 20 June 2025.

Alternatively, members may choose to provide their own submission directly to the Department at strategicfleet@infrastructure.gov.au by COB Friday 27 June 2025.

Find out morePrevious updates
Further information on the Strategic Fleet Taskforce is available via the department website HERE. 


Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations -  FTA / APSA

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