MIAL Congratulates AMSA and Government on Australia’s re-election to IMO Council 

Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) congratulates the Australian Government and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on Australia’s successful re-election to the IMO Council.

The IMO Council plays a key role in shaping safety and seafarer welfare in international shipping, works to prevent maritime and atmospheric pollution from ships, and supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. This includes the adoption of a new Net Zero Emissions plan towards 2050 earlier this year, which more closely reflects Australia’s decarbonisation ambitions.

MIAL CEO Angela Gillham described Australia’s re-election to the IMO Council as a reflection of Australia’s status as a maritime nation. Ms Gillham states:

“It is vital that Australia is represented at the highest levels of international maritime policy making in the appropriate category for a nation reliant on seaborne trade. As such, MIAL applauds the effort expended by the Australian Government to achieve and maintain representation on the IMO Council.

“Australia’s ongoing engagement at IMO is critical to maintaining a consistent global regulatory framework, a level playing field upon which to do business in Australia, and that Australian interests feature in the making of international shipping law.

“AMSA is held in the highest regard internationally for their dedication to ensuring the highest safety standards are upheld and this work starts with negotiations at the IMO.

“This year, the Australian Government has taken strides towards revitalising Australia as a Maritime Nation. Re-election to the IMO Council ensures that the important work still to be done domestically in securing Australia’s sovereign maritime capability, shipping decarbonisation, and addressing the maritime skills crisis and ensuring maritime workers are skilled for future advancements will not take place in a vacuum and will align with international efforts to meet similar challenges.”

Australia’s re-election to Category B of the IMO Council confirms our place as one of the 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. The other nations are Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.