“The Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, introduced in the parliament today, would lift Australia’s global competitiveness and support job creation around the country,” Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“The reforms to coastal shipping regulation contained in the Bill are anticipated to deliver a net economic benefit of $667.4 million, and an annual reduction in the regulatory burden of $21.4 million.

“It is critical that the parliament prioritises the national interest and gives its support to the government’s shipping reforms.

“The core of the problem the Bill seeks to address is anti-competitive coastal trading restrictions and excessive red tape, which lock in poor productivity and high shipping rates.

“The passage of the Bill will remove unnecessarily high costs on business that harm job creation, particularly in the manufacturing sector, Tasmania and regional Australia.

“The proposed simpler permit will make it easier to source coastal shipping services at competitive rates, while maintaining high standards for safety and environmental protection.

“The Productivity Commission and the recent Harper Competition Policy Review have both identified that this type of deregulation is needed to address the serious competitiveness problems in our coastal shipping sector,” Ms Westacott said.

For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2664 • Mobile 0403 241 128