EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued under the authority of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Navigation Act 2012
| Proclamation |
Item 2 of the commencement table under subsection 2(1) of the Navigation Act 2012 (the Act) provides that sections 3 to 343 commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation. The Proclamation fixes 1 July 2013 as the day on which sections 3 to 343 will commence.
The Act replaces the Navigation Act 1912 with a contemporary legislative framework for maritime regulation. The Act provides the primary legislative means for the Australian Government to regulate international ship and seafarer safety, shipping aspects of protecting the marine environment and the actions of seafarers in Australian waters. It also gives effect to the relevant international conventions to which Australia is a signatory.
The Act reflects changes in the maritime sector and operates alongside the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (the National Law), which authorises the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to become the safety regulator for domestic commercial vessels in Australia. Interstate vessels that are currently regulated under the Navigation Act 1912 will be covered under the National Law from its commencement. The Act commences on the same day as the National Law, which will ensure that these changes to the maritime regulatory framework occur at the same time.
The Proclamation is a legislative instrument for the purpose of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Authority: Subsection 2(1) of the Navigation Act 2012
Consultation
No consultation was undertaken in the development of this Proclamation. However, the Proclamation date was determined following discussions with state and territory governments through the Council of Australian Governments Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure.