Australians have been urged to pause today to remember the significant contribution seafarers have made to the country's security and economic success, and the importance of the industry to the nation's future.
One in eight Australian merchant seafarers sacrificed their lives during World War II - a casualty rate that was higher than those suffered by any of the armed forces - in an effort to maintain supplies of goods and materials vital for the war effort.
Merchant Navy Day is commemorated each year to remember their sacrifice, marking the anniversary of the sinking of the first Allied merchant vessel during World War II on September 3, 1939.
Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary and International Transport Workers' Federation President Paddy Crumlin said that it was also important to remember that these sacrifices continued outside war, with merchant seafarers integral to the prosperity of our island nation.
"More than 800 Australian merchant mariners sacrificed their lives for the Allied cause during the First and Second World Wars," Mr Crumlin said.
Mr Crumlin said the COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for our island nation to ensure the global supply chain is not interrupted and we re-iterate our call for a strategic fleet.
Mr Crumlin said it was essential to not only remember the past, but also to look to the future, with policies to revitalise Australia's shipping industry to ensure it is able to continue to support the nation's economic and national security.
"Without seafarers, Australia's economy will grind to a halt," Mr Crumlin said.
"These are the people who transport Australia's exports, supply the country with fuel and commodities, and ensure the overwhelming majority of everyday products are available to the community.
"In recent decades, the number of Australian-crewed vessels has been slashed, not only costing thousands of jobs, but leaving the country vulnerable to global conflicts or economic shocks that disrupt maritime trade.
"During past conflicts, Australian-owned vessels crewed by Australian seafarers were available to ensure our supply lines remained in place, but decades of neglect has seen the industry hollowed out.
There has never been a more important time to remember the past and make plans to protect the future by ensuring we have a viable Australian Shipping industry.
