Board meeting communique of matters - 22 June 2026

The 279th meeting of the Board was on Monday, 22 June 2026, in Canberra, ACT.

The Board received an update from the Portfolio Department on its priorities and their alignment with the Board’s responsibilities. The Board also welcomed the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics who provided an economic update to the Board, focussed on transport‑related trends, including current macro‑economic conditions, freight and passenger movements, and emerging issues for the transport and maritime sectors.

This meeting

The Board received an update from AMSA’s Chief Audit Executive following the Board Audit and Risk Committee (BARC) 179th meeting on 18 May. The BARC completed their annual review of their Charter and recommended it be approved by the Board and published on AMSA’s website.
The Board approved AMSA’s Investment and Cash Control Policy, noting the conservative approach to the management of funds to meet future obligations. This policy is reviewed annually by the BARC and is undertaken in accordance with AMSA’s Accountable Authority Instructions and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
The Board approved AMSA’s 2025-26 Corporate Plan for subsequent presentation to the Minister, noting its compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and Department of Finance guidance.
The Board welcomed the opportunity to review the Minister’s updated Statement of Expectations for AMSA, noting once the new version is approved by the Minister it will commit AMSA to actions which must be delivered or substantially progressed by 30 June 2028.
The Board received an update on the procurement approach, evaluation outcomes, and current progress associated with establishing a new arrangement for the delivery of seafarer medical assessments under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The Board noted the updated Australian Seafarer Welfare Council (ASWC) Strategy, which sets out ASWC’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, goals and objectives for 2026–2030, including continued support for established Port Welfare Committees where required. The Board also noted that ASWC’s next meeting, on Thursday, 25 June 2026, will coincide with the International Day of the Seafarer.
The Board received an update from the Chair of the People and Culture sub-committee meeting on 11 May and noted the discussions on AMSA’s consultation on a draft organisation structure and the development of a Strategic Workforce Plan.
The Board discussed maritime digitalisation and its role in strengthening maritime safety in Australian waters, in particular Australia’s first S‑100 simulation trials in the Torres Strait, led by the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) and supported by AMSA, which tested integrated, real-time data in realistic navigation conditions and the national coordination underpinning this work.
The Board received an update on emerging technology trends in the domestic maritime industry and noted progress in delivering policy priorities under AMSA’s Emerging Technologies in Domestic Commercial Vessels 2023–27 Roadmap.

The Board acknowledged the significant contributions of the late Capt. Alan Tait OAM and Hon. Peter Morris OAM to AMSA and the maritime industry.