Last Friday, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) welcomed Transport Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a shipping reform policy, which includes the introduction of a tonnage tax and a proposal for an international ships register. This is a major milestone for the MUA, who have long been campaigning passionately for policy reform that will revitalise Australian shipping industry.
The announcement comes shortly after the launch of “Keep Australia Afloat” in April, an integrated campaign by Digital Eskimo and the MUA which aimed to mobilise members and supporters to firmly encourage local MP’s to engage with their Cabinet colleagues. The campaign included a virtual flotilla, posters and handouts, downloadable origami ships and a shipping ‘passport’ that we created to educate politicians about the issue, providing them with all the information they needed to take action. Clearly presenting all the relevant key facts and figures as simple information graphics, the passport was very well received and helped tip the outcome in favour of support.
The campaign was particularly important for us as modern shipping is still one of the most energy efficient and low carbon ways to move goods and raw materials long distances around the country and the world. We congratulate the team at the MUA and their members for a highly effective campaign and welcome the Government’s decision to back Australia’s shipping industry.
