MUA letter to National COVID19 response group

 
 
 
National Secretary Paddy Crumlin wrote to the National response group on August 11 the letter says:
 
The inconsistent application of National Cabinet directions and the latest state border restrictions on movement for essential workers will have devastating consequences on the viability of transport operations and the interconnection of global and national trade.
 
Our Nation’s reliance on maritime transport to maintain continuous supply has never been more obvious than during this pandemic and we continue to seek genuine cooperation internationally and locally, across all levels of Government and Industry, to develop consistent, sustainable guidance that protects workers, the community and Industry.
 
The letter calls on the federal government to:
 

• Establish and fund a dedicated task force to coordinate across state and federal government agencies
• Work with the aviation sector to facilitate flights for seafarer’s repatriation
• Engage labour supply countries to better coordinate repatriation procedures for international seafarers
• Rationalise visa, permit, and exemption processes, to support crew changes directly
• Adopt the IMO recommended framework for crew joining and leaving their ships
• Work with Unions and Industry to ensure supply chain integrity in the domestic industry
• Establish “Green Lanes” for maritime crew repatriation
• Protect seafarers and the community through Australia’s adherence to IMO protocols along with MLC and ILO conventions
• Mandate the supply of critical PPE to maritime workers
• Maintain testing and travel protocols specifically for maritime workers to expedite safe interstate travel
•  

Read the full letter here: Paddy Crumlin letter to Maritime Response Group August 11, 2020