Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan has welcomed Federal Labor's plans to create a Strategic Fleet and help to develop skills in the maritime sector.
The policy will address economic and security concerns about the steep decline in Australian-flagged vessels over the past 30 years.
The State Government will consult with Federal Labor on the potential to support a direct shipping route from the Pilbara region to South East Asia through the Strategic Fleet policy, as well as considering other Western Australian routes.
Last week, the State Government released a report into the economic benefits of establishing a direct maritime freight service in the Pilbara, which found that such a service would create more than 30 direct local jobs, and offer major long-term opportunities to diversify the regional economy.
As noted by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We want to make sure WA gets a part of the action.
"The direct shipping route from the Pilbara would be a major component of securing strategic shipping lines.
"Our Government will work closely with Federal Labor to ensure WA plays a role in any future Strategic Fleet."
