Coastal shipping reforms – Senate to consider the blue highway

In our Coastal Shipping Reform infographic we provided a summary of the proposed changes to Australia's coastal shipping regime as they were announced.

The Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (Bill) was introduced to Parliament accompanied by explanatory material that provides some insight into the details and consequences of the Federal Government's coastal shipping reforms.

Four alternative policy options for a regulatory framework were canvassed. The Regulatory Impact Statement identified as the preferred option legislation that would reduce regulatory burdens while providing protection for seafarers when foreign vessels are engaged predominantly in coastal shipping. This option did not return the projected highest net economic benefit when compared with other policy options, but was chosen in order to