Australia at the IMO
- Australia is a foundation member of the IMO and has held a seat on the IMO Council—the organisation’s executive organ—for many years.
- Australia is a category b member of the IMO Council and we work hard to ensure the Organization is ready to meet the new challenges arising from emerging technology, global trade expansion, and environmental developments.
- Australia has diverse and balanced interests at the IMO and a strong commitment to develop fair and effective shipping standards.
- Australia works with every Member State to ensure IMO Council decisions are equitable and sustainable.
- Shipping is critical to Australia’s economic prosperity, environmental protection and standard of living, transporting 98 per cent (by volume) of Australia’s international merchandise trade.


Our contribution
- Australia successfully championed the establishment of an open-ended working group for IMO reform.
- We argue strongly for increased council membership, greater transparency and inclusiveness, and 4-year Council terms.
- Australia works with Member States and the IMO Secretariat to achieve fair and sustainable council decisions.
- Australia is dedicated to the work of IMO. We participate in all IMO meetings and maintain permanent representation in London.
Council membership comes under one of three categories:
- Category a comprises 10 Member States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services
- Category b comprises 10 Member States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade
- Category c comprises 20 Member States with special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to Council ensures representation by all major geographic regions of the world
The IMO
- The IMO develops and maintains comprehensive standards for international commercial shipping.
- The IMO works to prevent marine and atmospheric pollution from ships, and supports the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
- The 40 Member IMO Council is elected by the Assembly.
