Senator MOORE (Queensland) (16:51): I seek leave to make a short statement.
The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute.
Senator MOORE: Labor was not consulted on the words of this motion. While shipping policy necessarily includes productivity issues, it goes well beyond that to issues as strategic industry policy, Australian skills development, environmental protection, national security and the management of reliable risk. Referring shipping to the Productivity Commission is unlikely to further this debate including because the PC has recently looked at Tasmanian shipping and freight. The opposition has indicated it is willing to work with the rest of parliament to make changes to existing shipping laws, where this is consistent with supporting a revitalised coastal and international shipping industry that employs Australians.
