QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:50): Thank you, Senator Payman, for the question. Every ship that enters our port carries something that we rely on: fuel, vehicles, building materials, electrical goods, furniture—and the list goes on. Around 99 per cent of our international exports and imports are moved by sea, so, when we invest in out maritime sector, we're really investing in Australia's economic security and resilience.
The Australian government has made this a central focus of our transport and infrastructure agenda, and we are rebuilding Australia's shipping capability, including by establishing a strategic fleet. We're reforming coastal trading laws and we're modernising regulations so the sector can operate sustainably and competitively. Recent events, yes, have certainly reminded us all just how fragile and precious global supply chains can be.
From the current fuel disruptions to the COVID-19 pandemic to natural disasters and overseas conflicts, the disruptions we've witnessed have underscored how vital it is that Australia be able to rely on its own shipping capability. That's why our government is establishing a strategic fleet for Australia. This initiative will provide a core group of Australian flagged and crewed vessels that will be ready to operate commercially— The PRESIDENT: Senator McCarthy, please resume your seat.
Senator Payman? Senator Payman: Thank you, Minister, for the answer. I'm specifically asking for the update in terms of the 12 vessels.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Payman, why are you on your feet? Senator Payman: It's a point of order on direct relevance. The PRESIDENT: The minister is being directly relevant.
Senator McCARTHY: They are vessels that will be ready to operate commercially in normal times and available to the government when emergencies arise, whether it's a cyclone like we've had recently in the Northern Territory and that WA is now experiencing, a global incident or a disruption to an international trade rate. These ships will be there to move the supplies our country needs most without delay.
Our long-term goal is a fleet of 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels, and, to begin, we've funded a five-year strategic fleet pilot program starting with three ships. The PRESIDENT: Senator Payman, first supplementary?