The Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council (ASWC) was established in 2013 to ensure the adequacy of existing welfare facilities and to assist in coordination of port/regional welfare committees.
Our mission
Promote and encourage the provision of seafarer welfare services across Australia through collaboration, partnerships and engagement.
Our vision
Sustainable shore-based welfare services for all seafarers visiting Australian ports.
Membership
The ASWC comprises representatives from:
- Australian Mariners Welfare Society
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
- Hunterlink Employee Assistance Provider
- International Transport Workers’ Federation
- Maritime Industry Australia Limited (MIAL) (Formerly Australian Shipowners Association)
- Mission to Seafarers
- Ports Australia
- RightShip
- Shipping Australia Limited
- Stella Maris
- Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation
The ASWC meets on a quarterly basis.
AMSA plays a leading (chairperson and secretariat) role in the work that ASWC aims to achieve.
Chair: Michelle Grech Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Email: michelle.grech@amsa.gov.au
Secretariat: ASWCsecretariat@amsa.gov.au
Provide leadership in the implementation of Australia's obligations on seafarers' welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006
- Promote and strengthen awareness of the Australian Seafarers Welfare Council, its role and vision
- Promote awareness and support for seafarer welfare
- Review and maintain strategic memberships to ensure strong representation and advocacy for seafarers
- Be an advocate for improving international standards (mainly the Maritime Labour Convention) that impact seafarer welfare
Assist in the establishment of a national network of seafarer support arrangements
- Facilitate, support and guide the establishment of Port Welfare Committees where needed
- Facilitate and promote a network of communication and cooperation between Port Welfare Committees
- Support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Port Welfare Committees through capacity building and resource sharing
- Promote a consistent seafarer welfare service delivery model across Australian ports
Promote, encourage and support the delivery of seafarer welfare services at Australian ports
- Identify seafarer needs and future welfare requirements in line with industry trends
- Promote the need for seafarers to be treated as valued and respected members of our port communities
- Assist, facilitate and influence ongoing support opportunities to ensure sustainable seafarer welfare service across Australian ports