Whilst the government spruiks its maritime college defence partnerships its commitment to Australian sea farer training is under question as the University of Tasmania has revealed its plans to sell the training vessel 'Blue Fin' with no commitment to a replacement vessel.
Hot on the heels of losing the Pacific Patrol Boats funding and the sacking of senior academic staff it appears the undermining of this valuable part of Australia's maritime training continues.
The ability to have onboard experience is a significant drawcard for students to enrol in Launceston to study for careers in the maritime industry. It provides a practical learning environment in an industry that has identified skill shortages at a time when the need to reinvest in our own supply chain management has become more evident.
Australian trained sea farers have been some of the most respected in the work with international seafarers' research bodies historically ranking the quality of the training amongst the highest in the world.
The University has failed to satisfactorily explain this cut that will damage our reputation and impact on the training at our AMC.
The government failed to intervene to help save the Pacific Boats contracts, stood back as senior highly skilled staff were made redundant, the question now is will they act now to protect the quality of training and reputation of our maritime college? Or are they prepared to let that sink?
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Labor Member for Bass
