Government allows more support to seafarers visiting New Zealand
The Maritime Transport Act will be amended through the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill to allow maritime levies to be used to provide support services coordinated by the Seafarers Welfare Board.Devdiscourse News Desk | Wellington | Updated: 09-03-2021 10:20 IST | Created: 09-03-2021 10:20 IST
Transport Minister Michael Wood said COVID-19 has impacted massively on international shipping lines and this has meant seafarers need support. Image Credit: Twitter(@michaelwoodnz)
The Government is fulfilling its pre-election commitment to allow more support to seafarers visiting New Zealand, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today.
The Maritime Transport Act will be amended through the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill to allow maritime levies to be used to provide support services coordinated by the Seafarers Welfare Board.
Govt fulfilling commitment to improve seafarer welfare livenews.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from livenews.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Photo: 123RF
The Seafarers Welfare Board has been providing counselling, access to books, the internet and toll calls to seafarers for years.
Running off charity donations a law change will see part of the Maritime Levy go towards the board which operates in 11 ports around the country.
Transport Minister Michael Wood said some crew members had been at sea for 18 months with little to no contact with their families, so onshore support was vital. The board ensured Wi-Fi units were made available for ships calling at New Zealand ports, this gives seafarers the chance to connect with their families after months at sea and board staff communicating with them provides an avenue to raise concerns and complaints.
Deputy
Leader of the House): The legislation that the House will consider next week will include the second readings of the Secondary Legislation Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill, the Financial Market Infrastructures Bill, and the Fair Trading Amendment Bill; the committee stage of the Food (Continuation of Dietary Supplements Regulations) Amendment Bill; and the remaining stages of the Local Electoral (MÄori Wards and MÄori Constituencies) Amendment Bill. Five National Party members will make their maiden statements. Wednesday, 17 February will be the first membersâ day of 2021, and will feature the first general debate of the 53rd Parliament.
கொரோனா உலக நிலவரம் dinamalar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dinamalar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.