Inquiry into the Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Australia’s Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade
Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) thanks the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for the opportunity to provide a submission into this important Inquiry.
Clearly, the COVID-19 global pandemic has had far reaching impacts on human health, welfare and the economy in Australia as it has over the world. Along with other essential services, shipping has continued to operate, albeit under significant strain.
This submission provides an overview of relevant key elements of how the shipping industry works both domestically and internationally and, in addressing the Inquiry terms of reference, highlights some of the important national vulnerabilities that have been exposed and exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Our submission provides detail of some of the national vulnerabilities exposed as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and proposes a rationale and policy recommendations to address those vulnerabilities. This submission addresses the strategic implications of the following Terms of Reference which forms part of the Inquiry:
- Implications for Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade policy, particularly with respect to strategic alliances and regional security.
- The impact on human rights.
- Supply chain integrity / assurance to critical enablers of Australian security (such as health, economic and transport systems, and defence).
- What policy and practical measures would be required to form an ongoing effective national framework to ensure the resilience required to underpin Australia’s economic and strategic objectives.