Board meeting communique of matters - 4 March 2026

The Board engaged with AMSA’s Hobart staff, had the opportunity to visit Incat Boat Builders, Tassal and Liferaft Systems Australia and engaged with local stakeholders.

This meeting

• The Board discussed the impact the current conflict in the Middle East would have on seafarer welfare, international trade routes, fuel supplies and AMSA levies. The Board noted Seafarers’ rights expressed in the Maritime Labour Convention related to ships operating in or entering conflict zones.  
• The Board reviewed AMSAs January 2026 performance report, and in particular focused on year-to-date expenditure and the continued success of myAMSA for Near Coastal applications.
• The Board noted the preparation of AMSA’s 2026-27 Budget, detailing the progress, assumptions, risks, and constraints associated with the Budget development and financial sustainability.
• The Board discussed the analysis of pollution response costs and noted that cost estimates are highly contingent. The Board agreed AMSA’s Pollution Response Reserve would be set at $10 million to address AMSA’s foreseen funding requirement for the initial response to combating pollution of the marine environment.
• The Board approved the 2026-27 non-financial performance measures proposed for the 2026–27 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) and 2026-27 Corporate Plan.
• The Board received an update on AMSA’s progress against the Ministerial Statement of Expectations and corresponding Statement of Intent.
• The Board received an update from the Chair of the People and Culture sub-committee and noted recent discussions with management on the process and timing of AMSA’s Enterprise Agreement bargaining, along with a briefing on the Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusive Employer Index results.
• The Board received their standing report on Work Health and Safety at AMSA, noting the re-establishment of AMSA’s Mental Health First Aid Officer Network in line with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-26 and AMSA’s participation in Comcare’s Psychosocial Advisory Service pilot which provided tailored support for creating mentally health workplaces.
• The Board noted the changes to AMSA’s enterprise risk approach, and management’s view that the revised approach strengthens visibility of strategic, operational, and developing risks; improves Executive oversight, provides a clear escalation path and ensures alignment with AMSA’s planning and reporting cycle.

Next meeting

The next Board meeting will be held in Canberra on 22 April 2026.

Capt. Jeanine Drummond

Chair, AMSA Board