National Maritime Stakeholder Forum

Our peak forum for all stakeholders in the Australian maritime sector.

What is the National Maritime Stakeholder Forum?

The National Maritime Stakeholder Forum is our national forum for engaging with the maritime community.

It brings together stakeholders from across industry, government and the broader maritime community to share knowledge and collaborate on matters relevant to the maritime sector.

Who can participate

The forum is open to Australian maritime sector stakeholders and broader networks supporting safe and sustainable maritime operations, including:

vessel operators
seafarers
maritime associations, unions and service providers
community and special interest groups
government agencies.

Your participation matters

The forum provides an opportunity to share experiences, learn from other maritime sectors and contribute to a broader understanding of the issues and priorities facing industry.

These shared insights help inform AMSA's engagement activities and support improved safety and environmental outcomes across the maritime community.

Inaugural forum

Our first forum will be held:

Online and in Brisbane
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (AEST)
12 November 2026.

For attendees joining from interstate, please note that times are listed in Brisbane time (AEST).

The forum brings together stakeholders from across the maritime sector to discuss key priorities and emerging issues.

In-person registrations are now full, but you can still join us online. Register now to secure your virtual spot.

Register now (Zoom or email verification required)

Program overview

Download the program

View program online

8.30am | In Person Attendee Registration

9.00am-9.15am | Forum Commences and Welcome

Speaker: Kaylene Dale - Chief Executive Officer, AMSA

AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer will officially open the Forum, welcoming participants and setting the scene for a day of insightful discussion and collaboration.

9.15am-10.30am | Regulator Briefing: Progress, Priorities and Partnership

Speakers:

Paula Stagg - First Assistant Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sport and the Arts
Leanne Loan - Executive Director, Regulation and Vessel Certification, AMSA
Greg Witherall - Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Environmental Compliance, AMSA
Alex Barrell - Executive Director, Response and Capability, AMSA

Government and regulators support a safe, sustainable and resilient maritime industry through effective regulation, compliance, service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

AMSA and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will outline strategic priorities, regulatory reforms, compliance focus areas and future initiatives. Participants can engage directly with representatives to share perspectives, address sector challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen compliance and performance.

10.30am-11.00am | Break

11.00am-12.00pm | Sector Spotlight: Priorities, Pressures and Possibilities

Speakers:

Sarah Cerche - Director Workplace Relations Governance and Policy, Maritime Industry Australia Limited
Julie Petty - General Manager, Policy and Projects, Seafood Industry Australia
Mal Wise - Principal, Australian Maritime College

Industry and education leaders will share initiatives and lessons to attract, develop and retain Australia’s maritime workforce. An interactive discussion will allow participants to exchange experiences and identify opportunities for sector-wide collaboration.

12.00pm-1.00pm | Break

1.00pm-2.00pm | Human Factors at Sea: Wellbeing, Safety and Workforce Sustainability

Speakers:

Jamie Newlyn - National Assistant Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia
Alastair Martin - Head of Marine Standards, Svitzer, and Representative for Marine Working Group, Safer Together
Matt McDonald - Chief Executive Officer, SeaRoad Ferries
Dr Michelle Grech - Manager Seafarer Safety Crewing and Competency, AMSA, and Chair of Australian Seafarers' Welfare Council

This facilitated panel will bring together seafarer welfare, industry, workforce and regulatory perspectives on building a safe, healthy and sustainable maritime workforce. Panellists will discuss wellbeing, fatigue, health, workplace culture, attraction and retention, and practical initiatives supporting people who work at sea.

2.00pm-2.30pm | Closing Remarks

Speaker: Kaylene Dale - Chief Executive Officer, AMSA

The forum will close with reflections on the day’s key themes, insights and opportunities. Participants will understand how their contributions will shape future engagement and ongoing dialogue between AMSA and maritime stakeholders.