Ports Australia’s chief executive Mike Gallacher has welcomed the Australian Governments decision to support the recommendation of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee to pass the Coastal Trading amendment bill before the parliament.

“This decision by the government is a clear indication that the issue of coastal shipping is one with momentum and a reform that the country needs.

“Coastal Shipping will benefit Australians both regionally and in the city, the reform has the support of both business and now also government.

“If the cost of living in Australia is going to stay as low as possible across the board then we need to look at smart reforms that reduce red tape and allow business small and large to provide consumers with more for less.

“Coastal shipping is a smart reform, it will open up our blue highway which costs nothing to build, run or maintain allowing Australia’ supply chain to be more flexible and carry more capacity for less.

“The reforms are a step in the right direction but there is more work to be done before the full benefits of coastal shipping and Australia’s blue highway can be realised for Australians.

“It is our hope that now with the governments support the Senate can look at the merits of this reform for the supply chain and the benefits it will bring for Australians and pass these amendments without delay,” Mike Gallacher concluded.

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