Tripodi defends Safety changes
"Changes to the Maritime Safety Act passed in the Upper House 25 June are part of the biggest reforms to marine safety in a decade," Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said. 
'Joe Tripodi'
Jeni Bone
Click Here to view large photo
"The changes do not clear the way for commercial tankers to come crashing into harbours like Ms Rhiannon (Leader of NSW Greens) would have you believe.
"The changes allow a Harbour Master to use their discretion to allow a vessel to move without a pilot. These changes were mostly administrative where existing powers were moved from one Act to another.
"Other amendments moved by the Greens and defeated by the Parliament sought to remove the Government's ability to appoint the best person for the job of Harbour Master.
The function of a Harbour Master is to operate a safe harbour. The range of people available for this position would have been confined to Government employees if the Greens amendments had been successful"
"If the most experienced Harbour Master in the world with the most impeccable safety record came to Sydney and wanted a job, under her changes, they couldn't be employed.
"I have every faith the Harbour Masters in Sydney, Newcastle, Port Kembla, Eden and Yamba, make the right decisions when it comes to safety in their harbours," Mr Tripodi said.
"They use their extensive experience, skills, shipping and ports knowledge to ensure accidents don't happen.
"Not only is Ms Rhiannon showing a complete lack of understanding for the way a harbour works, she is criticising the very people whose job it is to maintain safety.
Major reforms to marine safety laws are on the way following State Parliament approval of the Marine Safety Amendment Bill 2008.
Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said the changes focus on strengthening the culture of safe boating in NSW.
The reforms were approved without amendment.
"It is important our boating safety laws keep pace with increasing activity and current boating safety issues in the state," he said.
"Irresponsible behaviour can be just as dangerous on our waterways as on our roads. These laws and powers will go a long way to reducing such behaviour and making sure skippers put safety first."
The marine safety package has new penalties, including jail terms and fines, for dangerous navigation, overloading a vessel and endangering public safety.
Other safety amendments include:
? New offences with increased penalties for operating a vessel while disqualified;
? New powers for NSW Maritime and Water Police to enforce the law and direct boaters to act safely;
? New powers for NSW Maritime and Water Police to immediately suspend registration when vessels are found operating outside the law (this includes vessels operating at night with insufficient lighting).
Mr Tripodi said NSW Maritime would be supporting the new laws with a renewed emphasis on compliance and education.
by MINISTER FOR PORTS AND WATERWAYS 
Alexandra Headland, QLD
