On the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, Human Rights at Sea has urged Australia’s Transport Minister, Catherine King, to enhance seafarer welfare services. This call comes as Sue Dight, Regional Director of Mission to Seafarers, travels across Australia seeking funding due to a lack of federal support. Notably, Flinders Port Holdings recently pledged $200,000 to the mission, highlighting that welfare funding is largely reliant on individual efforts and goodwill from a few port operators.
Dight’s advocacy has resulted in significant grants, including a $2.5 million funding package for New South Wales Ports and new facilities in Port Hedland and Southern Ports. These efforts aim to support over 500,000 seafarers who arrive in Australia annually, often sacrificing their limited shore time for essential activities like contacting loved ones or seeking medical care.
Paul MacGillivary, a long-time advocate for seafarer welfare, emphasizes the need for a coordinated national framework rather than sporadic corporate donations. He notes that without active port welfare committees, which have not been revitalized since 2022, resources cannot be effectively allocated. MacGillivary calls for a sustainable system that aligns with MLC obligations, ensuring equitable support for all ports.
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