Published: 19 May 2015
Please see here for MEDIA ALERT FOR SHIPPING AUSTRALIA LUNCH FEATURING WARREN TRUSS:
Sydney Community Anger Over Deputy PM’s Shipping Laws
Protestors will confront Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss over plans to introduce “WorkChoices On Water.”
New Coastal Shipping changes snuck through in the Budget would hand over Australia’s coast to cheap foreign operators with limited background checks.
Australia’s maritime security and natural environment should not be put at risk.
MEDIA ALERT: Midday - 2pm, Wednesday 20 May, 2015
What: Rally Outside Deputy Prime Minister’s Business Lunch
Where: Outside Sydney Harbour Marriott, 30 Pitt St, Sydney
Comment Contact: MUA Deputy National Secretary Mick Doleman 0418 391 528 or Assistant National Secretary Warren Smith 0400 368 945
Media Contact: Darrin Barnett, 0428 119 703
The Budget papers have confirmed the Abbott Government will attempt to throw another Australian industry on the scrap heap with the announcement it intends to radically alter the Coastal Trading Act or remove it altogether.
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss will address a Shipping Australia lunch about key aspects of his plan.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said: “The MUA strongly urges that the Coastal Trading Act is not unwound as it is demonstrably in the national interest to retain and grow the coastal shipping industry.
“If implemented, the Abbott Government’s move represents a radical policy change that is ignorant or negligent to the critical importance of a domestic shipping industry.
“These changes could spell disaster on a number of fronts – maritime jobs, skills, fuel security, national security and pose a threat to the environment.
“The Abbott Government’s changes could directly impact around 2,000 direct jobs and up to 8,000 associated jobs - so 10,000 Aussie jobs on the chopping block.
“But rather than protect local jobs, the Abbott Government wants to open up our coast to all comers – carrying such substances as car and jet fuel, diesel and ammonium nitrate.
“There could also be a significant impact on the offshore oil and gas sector - with limited visa regulations and oversight.”
