Key outcomes from the 17 September 2020 Seacare Authority meeting (News)
The Seacare Authority met via videoconference on 17 September 2020. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out in this news item.
Strategic risk management
The Seacare Authority considers its strategic risk register at each of its regular meetings, with a particular focus on the risk that the scheme may become unviable.
Members considered progress against actions taken to ensure the ongoing viability of the scheme, in particular, work undertaken to identify potential scheme employers. The Seacare Authority will continue its work to raise awareness of the scheme.
Consultation on the Seacare Authority’s exemption guidelines
Section 20A of the Seafarers Act allows the Seacare Authority to grant an exemption for employment on a specific vessel. The Seacare Authority has published guidelines which set out the factors of exemption and to ensure the ongoing relevance of these guidelines and factors of exemption, the Seacare Authority has undertaken a review and proposed changes to both elements.
Having agreed to delay consultation on the proposed amendments due to the impacts of COVID-19, the Seacare Authority agreed to an extended consultation period. Consultation opened on 21 September 2020 and will close on Monday 16 November 2020, with submissions received to be considered by the Seacare Authority at its meeting of 26 November 2020.
Seacare Authority Annual Report
The Seacare Authority endorsed its annual report for 2019-20. The Annual Report will be published via the Seacare Authority website and Transparency portal in October of 2020.
Impacts of COVID-19 and Mental health resources
Members noted the ongoing impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on the maritime industry, and the importance of being mindful of our mental health both now and into the future. The Seacare Authority’s Mental Health Resource Centre provides ready access to resources for seafarers, their colleagues and employers. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has also published Issue 12 of the Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin which specifically focuses on mental health and wellbeing.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held on 26 November 2020.