Australia’s Senate Committee inquiring into the Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 that will allow international ships to provide services in the country’s domestic shipping market has recommended that the bill be passed, according to Shipping Australia (SAL).

The Committee also said that Australia’s government should give further consideration to providing a mechanism for emergency applications and clarifying the effects of the bill on operations of cruise ships.

SAL believes that allowing international ships to operate on Australia’s domestic routes ”will unlock economic growth and deliver clear benefits to Australian primary producers, manufacturers and consumers.”

“Shipping Australia welcomes the recommendations of the Senate Committee’s report, which are in the best interests of all Australians,” Shipping Australia CEO, Rod Nairn said.

“This is a real victory for common sense.”

SAL also said that the Senate Committee has looked at the big picture, “from a national, rather than a purely sectoral perspective” and concluded that “failing to pass the bill will not change the course of the Australian coastal shipping industry. It is likely to continue its slow decline…” whereas, “passing the bill is likely to enable Australian producers to access cheaper, more flexible and more responsive options for transport.”

SAL has called on Australian Parliament to pass the bill.

“It would be very unreasonable if the vested interests of a few minorities were to be put ahead of the best interests of Australians as a whole,” Rod Nairn concluded.

(From: World Maritime News)