THE federal government is providing $6.3 million in 2022-23 to establish the Strategic Fleet Taskforce.
The purpose of the taskforce is to provide advice to the government on the establishment of a strategic fleet of vessels to secure ongoing access to fuel and other essential imports.
In a statement, minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King said Australia is dependent on seaborn trade and many of Australia’s regional-based industries rely on shipping to move large volumes of cargo both domestically and internationally.
“The Albanese government will establish an Australian maritime strategic fleet that will strengthen our economic sovereignty and improve national security, made of up to 12 Australian-flagged and crewed vessels,” she said.
“The budget funds the taskforce which has been appointed by the government to provide advice to guide its decision-making on establishing the fleet.”
The composition of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce was announced earlier this month.
John Mullen will be the taskforce chair. Other taskforce members include MIAL CEO Angela Gillham, MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin, Woodside non-executive director Sarah Ryan (who is also on the boards of Aurizon, Viva Energy, OZ Minerals and others) and Major-General Jason Walk.
