Published: 23 Feb 2019
A Shorten Labor Government will enhance Australia's economic sovereignty and national security by creating a Strategic Fleet to secure our access to fuel supplies, even in times of global instability. Australia relies on shipping to move 99 per cent of our imports and exports - it is in Australia's economic, environmental and national security interests to maintain a vibrant maritime industry
But Australia's own merchant fleet, as well as the skilled workforce it trains and employs, is fast disappearing. Over the past 30 years, the number of Australian-flagged vessels has shrunk from 100 to now just 14 - and it is in our national interest to change that.
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