kabarsula CLIA backs coastal trading exemption extension for cruise ships bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has welcomed the federal government’s extension of the Coastal Trading Act cruise ship exemption, saying it provides regulatory certainty for a sector that supports more than 22,000 Australian jobs.

The exemption will remain in place while the government continues its review of the Act.

CLIA said the exemption sits alongside an international and Australian regulatory framework covering maritime safety, security and seafarer welfare, with oversight from bodies including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

CLIA Australasia executive director Joel Katz said making the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) explicit within the exemption reinforced obligations cruise lines already meet.

“(Transport) Minister (Catherine) King has provided important recognition for the essential role cruise tourism plays in bringing visitors to destinations around the Australian coast, which creates economic benefits worth more than $7 billion a year,” he said.

Katz said the benefits flowed to many thousands of Australian businesses, including tourism operators, travel agents, hotels, restaurants, retailers, farmers and produce providers, and maritime services.

“Our members are in the business of providing Australians with outstanding holiday choices, and are committed to meeting their obligations and working constructively with regulators to support a safe and sustainable cruise industry,” he said. “The dedicated and professional crew members onboard cruise ships are central to delivering that experience.”