Urgent Need for Sustainable Funding in Seafarer Welfare Facilities in Australia

The health and well-being of seafarers rely on modern funding for port welfare facilities in the 21st century. However, in Australia, there is a lack of decisive action and institutional paralysis that is hindering progress in this area. This failure to act is preventing the logical and compassionate evolution of delivering essential welfare services to seafarers.

Two years ago, Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) issued a legal opinion warning that Australia could breach its welfare obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) if it does not secure sufficient long-term funding for shore-based welfare facilities. The opinion emphasized the need for updated legislation favoring sustainable levy funding to enhance welfare safeguards for the thousands of seafarers who visit Australian ports annually.

Despite successful advocacy by HRAS in securing sustainable funding for seafarer welfare services in New Zealand, their efforts in Australia have not yielded the same results. The failure to implement a modest and justifiable levy for sustainable funding is perplexing, especially considering the minimal legislative changes required to address the issue. National responsibility is crucial to ensure fair and equitable funding for seafarer welfare in all ports.

With the vast resources of the multi-trillion-dollar shipping industry, it is unacceptable that seafarer welfare providers in Australia still rely on donations, SIM card sales, and aging volunteers to offer essential services. The current funding model is inadequate to attract young professionals to the field and provide the necessary support for seafarers. It is imperative for there to be a dedicated focus and political will to secure sustainable funding for seafarers’ welfare in Australia without further delay.

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