Labor promises to build ‘strategic fleet’ of ships to secure supply chains, national security

Labor has pledged to build a strategic fleet of ships which will break Australia’s reliance on foreign nations to import crucial supplies including fuel and PPE equipment.

Labor has pledged to build a “strategic fleet” of ships to secure Australia‘s supplies of fuel and essential goods after the pandemic exposed Australia’s weak supply chains and dependence on foreign powers.

Anthony Albanese, on Sunday night, said he would create a task force that would build a supply fleet “as quickly as possible” if he wins government at the next election.

The fleet will be privately owned and operated but will also be available to the Australian Defence Force in times of war or natural disaster to deliver crucial supplies.

Australia brings in 99 per cent of its freight through sea shipping but less than one per cent of that is carried by Australian ships, Labor said in a statement.

Anthony Albanese wants to build a supply fleet of ships if he becomes PM. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“More than most nations, Australia is dependent on seaborne trade,” Mr Albanese said.

“Despite this, for eight long years the Morrison-Joyce Government has put our national security and economic sovereignty at risk by standing idle as large multinationals dumped Australian flagged and crewed vessels so they could hire cheaper overseas crews.”

Mr Albanese said the ships would be privately owned.

“While these ships will likely be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, we will ensure they are available for use by the Defence Forces in times of national crisis, whether that be natural disaster or conflict,” he said.

“In times of conflict and crisis, our economic sovereignty and national security are dependent on Australian seafarers working on Australian ships.”

Mr Albanese wants to bring in goods on supply ships. Picture: AFP

The announcement comes amid rising concerns about Australia‘s fuel security due to a shortage of diesel additive AdBlue.

AdBlue‘s key ingredient, urea, is in short supply after China clamped down on exporting the product.

A diesel shortage could bring Australia‘s trucks to a halt and, with them, all domestic freight.

The pandemic also exposed the fragilities of the global supply chain - everything from protective equipment for hospitals to Christmas presents have been delayed.

Labor says the strategic fleet would create jobs for seafarers and would “help rebuild Australian shipping” by closing loopholes and reviewing shipping laws.

The taskforce would contain representatives from the shipping industry, charterers, unions and Department of Defence.

Originally published as Labor promises to build ‘strategic fleet’ of ships to secure supply chains, national security