A recent survey by Human Rights at Sea has unveiled significant underfunding in seafarer support services across Australia. This online survey aimed to assess existing port welfare resources and identify gaps in service provision for the over 500,000 seafarers that visit Australian ports annually. According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), local port welfare committees should be established to coordinate these services.
Responses were collected from 14 locations, highlighting that many welfare centers rely on volunteers—often elderly—resulting in restricted operating hours. Some centers are only accessible in the afternoons on weekdays. Despite these limitations, the services offered, such as emergency medical assistance, rights advocacy, and general support, are vital for seafarer welfare. Interestingly, around 5% to 50% of staff or volunteer time is spent on fundraising efforts, diverting attention from direct service provision.
Advocates like Paul MacGillivary stress that while welfare centers perform exceptional work, their capabilities are hindered by chronic underfunding and limited staffing. The survey results emphasize a universal need for better funding, which would enable centers to extend their services and improve overall welfare support. Since 2019, Human Rights at Sea has been advocating for a sustainable funding model similar to one successfully implemented in New Zealand, aiming for a systematic approach to ensure adequate support for seafarers in Australia.
