Published: 5 Jun 2012
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) today welcomed the announcement of new jobs and industry in Tasmania’s maritime sector, saying that the newly announced Seafish Tasmania development in Devonport would help keep Tasmania’s seafaring industry alive and well.
MUA Assistant National Secretary Ian Bray said the news of new jobs was welcome.
"This initiative is welcome news for Tasmania's seafarers and maritime workers," Mr Bray said.
"The new commercial fishing operations promise to be best practice in terms of sustainable and scientific fishing. This is just the kind of development the Tasmanian economy needs."
Mr Bray said the announcement would bolster the range of the maritime skills base and stimulate economic activity.
"We are enthusiastic about working with industry to get more Australian flagged and crewed vessels for Tasmania's maritime sector," Mr Bray said.
Deputy MUA Tasmanian Branch Secretary Ian Hill said the MUA was in the process of setting up a meeting with the owners of the vessel.
"We're pleased that there will be new jobs for Tasmanians," Mr Hill said.
"The fact that the company approached the MUA makes us hopeful that there will be jobs for our members.
"We look forward to working with the owners of the new venture."
The announcement today follows the passing of a reform package for Australian shipping through the lower house of the Federal Parliament last Thursday.
These new rules would offer taxation breaks and incentives, while providing long term certainty for investment in Australian shipping.
