Australia to increase penalties for shipping companies involved in oil spills in that area
The Australian Government says it wants to increase penalties for shipping companies involved in oil spills in the Great Barrier Reef.
The Bill introduced into Parliament seeks to increase the $1 million fine that’s already in place, to $11 million.
The Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, says there’s been an average of 250 reported oil spills a year in Australian waters over the past decade.
“While the majority of these oil spills are relatively minor the potential impact of these spills on the maritime industry, the environment, the tourist and fishing industries and the broader economy needs to be recognised,” he said.
Source: Radio Australia News