AUSTRALIA CONTINUES TO PLAY A KEY ROLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION COUNCIL

Australia will continue to play a key role in a specialised United Nations agency responsible for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the nation was successfully re-elected to Category B of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in London last night.

“Our country’s re-election to Category B of the Organisation reflects on our standing as a significant player in the global maritime industry,” Mr McCormack said.

“Category B is made up of only 10 IMO Member States with the largest interest in global seaborne trade. 

“Australia is the world’s largest bulk commodities exporter, with 99 per cent of our international trade by volume carried by sea and a search and rescue area which covers one-tenth of the Earth’s surface.

“Australia will continue its work with the IMO to build a more modern, innovative and responsive organisation able to address pressing maritime priorities and the rapid pace of technological change.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said the re-election to Category B of the IMO Council would allow Australia to continue to build on decades of positive engagement with the international maritime community and to continue our hard work on reforming the Organisation’s Council.

“Australia has developed a reputation for working across the IMO to develop shipping standards which are fair, effective and sustainable,” Senator Payne said.

“Through our role on the IMO Council, the Federal Government will do our part to ensure international shipping is safe, reliable and efficient and protects the marine environment so all countries can share the benefits of a strong international shipping sector.”

Australia is a founding member of the IMO and has been an elected member of the Council since 1985.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) led Australia’s campaign for re-election to Category B of IMO Council, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.