Submission to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on the Approaches to Regulating Coastal Shipping in Australia Options Paper

The review should recommend regulatory reforms that lead to a globally competitive coastal shipping sector that contributes to lifting Australia’s wider economic competitiveness, boosts productivity and jobs, and grows national wealth.

Current policy objectives attempt to both promote an efficient shipping market and maximise the use of Australian ships. This has led to a set of coastal shipping policies that are confused, costly, counter-productive and work against Australia’s national objectives for economic growth and job creation.

The BCA recommends abolishing the cabotage restrictions in the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 to promote competition between Australian and visiting foreign ships. Removing cabotage restrictions will reduce shipping costs and support investment and employment growth in manufacturing sectors, many of which are located in regional Australia.

Submission to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on the Approaches to Regulating Coastal Shipping in Australia Options Paper