According to the results of an official survey conducted by the organization Human Rights at Sea, financial and resource shortages have been observed in social welfare centers serving seafarers at Australian ports.
The report states that although more than 500,000 seafarers pass through the country’s ports each year, the centers providing essential services such as medical assistance, legal support, internet access, and transportation are largely dependent on volunteer work.
The findings indicate that due to staff shortages and budget constraints, many centers have been forced to reduce operating hours, with a significant portion of working time now spent on fundraising activities rather than service delivery.
Experts argue that the current model is structurally insufficient and emphasize the need for a sustainable, nationally supported funding mechanism to ensure seafarers’ welfare. In this context, a system similar to the New Zealand model—funded through levies collected from shipping companies—is being proposed.
Such a mechanism could strengthen staffing, extend operating hours, and significantly improve the quality of medical and psychological support provided to seafarers.
