Mrs DE-ANNE KELLY (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services) (12:23 PM) —I would like firstly to acknowledge all of those who have spoken on the bill and thank them for their contribution. In summing up, annex VI, prevention of air pollution from ships, of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973-78, the MARPOL agreement, came into force internationally on 19 May 2005. Australia’s accession to annex VI relies on domestic legislation being in place. The bill will allow Australia to enforce more stringent requirements on emissions from ships, thus demonstrating the government’s continuing efforts to further enhance Australia’s marine pollution prevention regime. Industry supports the amendments.

I would like to go, however, to some of the questions raised. The member for Batman had a concern about definitions of Australian vessels. The provision in the bill ensures that all ships with Australian nationality are covered by the act. Furthermore, the Shipping Registration Act allows unregistered ships to have Australian nationality. In other words, the definitions comprehensively cover all vessels. There have been a range of questions going to maritime security raised by the member for Batman and other speakers. This bill does not relate to maritime security; it relates to air pollution. Nonetheless, the questions were asked in good faith and I will ensure that a response in writing is prepared for the member for Batman and others who have raised those questions. I commend the bill to the chamber.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that the bill be reported to the House without amendment.