WA: Seafarers’ Welfare and Pilbara Center Emphasized by Minister

During Day 2 of the Seafarers Welfare Conference in Fremantle, WA, Minister for Ports David Michael announced that Fremantle Ports is working towards establishing a sustainable funding model for seafarer welfare services. The proposed model would involve contributions from the shipping industry in a consistent and reasonable manner, with Minister Michael expressing optimism about the progress being made in this direction.

Fremantle Ports is dedicated to addressing and mitigating the legal and inhumane treatment of maritime workers, such as confinement of ships, non-payment of salaries, and poor working conditions. Additionally, other port authorities in Western Australia, like Southern Ports Authority in the south of the state, actively support seafarer welfare initiatives through various means, including funding for welfare missions and providing amenities for visiting seafarers.

Moreover, the state government recently announced plans to build a new seafarer centre at Port Hedland, the busiest port in the region. The $13.5 million facility will cater to the 150,000 seafarers who visit the port annually, offering accommodation, recreational spaces, dining facilities, and chaplaincy services. The project is set to be funded through a levy on iron ore shipping and has received strong support from industry stakeholders and the Pilbara Port Authority, highlighting a collaborative effort to enhance the welfare of seafarers in the region.

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