The Federal Government is investing $16.9m in maritime skills and training, strengthening the supply chain by addressing critical workforce shortages in Australia’s shipping sector.
A new maritime skills and training initiative will provide up to 20 trainee seafarers each year with access to berths for required sea time, ensuring a pipeline of qualified maritime professionals essential for freight and logistics operations.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the significance of this investment, stating:
“This investment will not only support aspiring seafarers in obtaining their qualifications but also ensure vessels have the skilled workforce needed to sustain a strong maritime industry.”
Additionally, $2.5 million will support the Transport and Logistics Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) in overcoming training barriers and tackling the maritime industry’s ongoing skills shortage. The 2024 Maritime Workforce Plan identified the lack of access to training berths as a major issue, with coordination gaps preventing effective sea-time utilisation.
“The maritime industry is crucial to Australia’s supply chain,” said Skills and Training Minister, Andrew Giles. “This initiative will help build a skilled workforce capable of fulfilling critical roles like harbour masters and marine pilots—ensuring the safe and efficient movement of freight along our coasts.”
This investment directly addresses recommendations from both the Maritime Workforce Plan and the Strategic Fleet Taskforce Final Report. As part of broader efforts to revitalise Australian shipping, the Government is also progressing the Strategic Fleet Pilot—a key initiative aimed at securing Australian-controlled vessels to enhance the nation’s freight resilience.
Meanwhile, regulatory reforms are underway to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, including reviews of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 and the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is also working with the Fair Work Ombudsman to tackle wage theft on foreign-flagged vessels operating in Australian waters, strengthening protections for the workforce that underpins maritime logistics.
With supply chain resilience an increasing priority for Australian businesses, this investment is set to strengthen the maritime workforce and support the long-term efficiency of domestic and international freight logistics.