PRODUCTIVITY and connectivity underpinned an address to the shipping industry by shadow minister for transport and infrastructure Natalie Ward this past week.
Ms Ward addressed the industry at Shipping Australia’s NSW State Committee Parliamentary Luncheon in Sydney on Thursday (22 August).
Her keynote presentation touched on industrial action at Fremantle Ports and suggested that a current, nationwide inclination toward going on strike indicates there are challenges.
“Government should be the one to work with the unions and industry to ensure that there are outcomes that benefit all Australians,” Ms Ward said.
“In New South Wales, I think their job federally is to protect that national interest, and where they’re not doing anything, the flow-on effect is everywhere.”
Ms Ward said a clear challenge for the Australian economy is an ongoing lack of productivity improvement – a challenge that impacts the shipping industry.
She said a governmental focus on shipping puts the people of New South Wales and Australia at the centre of governments’ work in shipping freight, transport, the wider industry and beyond.
“The last thing I want to see is Australia and New South Wales stall.We can’t see, in a cost-of-living crisis, in an economic headwinds environment, with supply chain challenges already, globally, to be added to that once people arrive here.”
Ms Ward broke down a concept she calls “connective equity”, and how population growth in Sydney and throughout Australia necessitates more building, more materials, and therefore a reliance on shipping.
“We’re going to continue to grow … which is a great thing; it’s a fantastic thing. But delivery of infrastructure supported by the shipping industry is critical, and we need to understand that the supply chain doesn’t end at the port.
“It begins as our continuous cycle of building and rebuilding and growth helps us, and you are critical to that.”
Ms Ward said the goal is to ensure access and connectivity to people no matter where they are in New South Wales.
“We see our regions working together; it’s about those regions being able to come to Sydney ports, to Australian ports effectively and efficiently.”
Other highlights of the afternoon were an address from Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody and an announcement from Sea Heritage Foundation chairman CJ Manjarres-Wahlberg regarding a partnership between the foundation and the UK Merchant Navy Training Board to bring the UK Maritime Apprenticeship Program to Australia.
“This model is developed by industry for industry,” Mr Manjarres-Wahlberg said.
“We will tailor it to meet our industry needs in collaboration with industry creating programs for industry by industry.
“We are also committed to increasing industry engagement by establishing an industry reference group, a maritime skills committee and a maritime strategic delegation which will work closely with the board and the government to drive positive change.”
