Report shows Strategic Fleet can bolster Australia's maritime and freight sectors

The Albanese Government is taking the next steps to securing a future made in Australia, releasing the report of the Independent Taskforce on the Strategic Fleet.

We are committed to improving Australia’s future maritime capability with an Australian owned and crewed strategic fleet.

The Government Response released today demonstrates our commitment to delivering a Strategic Fleet of up to 12 vessels that will help Australia build resilience to freight disruptions while supporting our maritime workforce and sovereign capability.

Australia’s maritime sector has long been neglected with a shortage of Australian flagged ships and a skilled workforce.

The Taskforce found that the proposed fleet would be able to be relied on in times of national crisis and emergency, helping get vital goods to affected regions and making us less reliant on international shipping.

We thank the Strategic Fleet Taskforce which comprised representatives from the Australian shipping industry, unions, the business sector, and the Department of Defence, for its comprehensive work and wide consultation.

The report provides 16 recommendations in total and we have agreed to 12 of them in full or in principle, while committing to continue exploring the remaining four.

By doing so, we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to support a strong, resilient and thriving maritime industry made in Australia.

To read the public version of the Taskforce’s report, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/strategic-fleet-taskforce-final-report

To read the Government response, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/australian-government-response-strategic-fleet-taskforces-final-report.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“We are getting on with the job of revitalizing Australia’s long neglected maritime sector.

“The creation of a Strategic Fleet will build Australia’s resilience, and protect our national security and economic sovereignty by enabling the movement of cargo in a time of crisis.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson:

“Maritime shipping is a crucial industry for our island nation.

“A fleet of up to 12 Australian owned and crewed vessels will provide important employment and training opportunities to boost Australia’s maritime workforce capability.”