Performance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

June 2020

© Commonwealth of Australia 2020
ISBN: 978-1-76093-086-8

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Members

Abbreviations

List of Recommendations

Executive Summary

  Headcounts in relation to the death of Mr Mills
  The investigation and scope for prosecution in relation to the death of Mr Mills
  Areas for review and reform

Chapter 1—Introduction and Background

  Referral of inquiry
  Conduct of inquiry
  Structure of Report
  Background
  Acknowledgements
  Notes to references

Chapter 2—The maritime legislative framework

  Background
  The role of AMSA
  Application of the National Law
  Purpose of the National Law
  Compliance and enforcement under the National Law
  Changes to service delivery
  National System Statement of Regulatory Approach
  Marine Orders
  Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law (Consequential Amendments) Act 2012

Chapter 3—Passenger headcounts as a safety measure

  Coronial findings
  Coroner's comments on public safety
  AMSA's evidence on headcounts
  Suggested changes to headcount requirements
  Headcount method and prescription
  AMSA's response to the coronial inquiry
  AMSA's actions since 2014
  Marine Order 504 and headcounts

Chapter 4—Investigations and scope for prosecution under the National Law

  Western Australia Police investigation into the death of Mr Mills
  AMSA response to WA Police regarding headcount requirements
  AMSA response to WA Police recommendation regarding crew induction
  Regular inspection and issue of direction notice – 2 November 2014
  Suspension of the certificate of operation – 13 November 2014
  DoT report to AMSA – 21 December 2014 – 29 May 2015
  Investigation into alleged fraudulent certificates
  Committee view
  Findings and fallout between AMSA and DoT

Chapter 5—Coronial inquiries and the performance of AMSA

  Inquest into the death of Ryan Harry Donoghue – Northern Territory Coroner's Court
  Inquest into the death of Murray Allan Turner, Mason Laurence Carter and Chad Alan Fairley – Coroner's Court of Western Australia
  Inquest into the death of Mr Daniel Thomas Bradshaw
  Committee view

Chapter 6—Grandfathering arrangements and other areas for reform

  Grandfathering arrangements
  Committee view
  Increased red tape, centralisation and complexity
  AMSA's regulatory approach
  Committee view

Labor Senators' Additional Comments

Appendix 1—Submissions and additional information

Appendix 2—Public hearing and witnesses

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3511
rrat.sen@aph.gov.au