Special Recreational Vessels Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 Public Consultation

The Department is currently conducting a public consultation on the Exposure Draft Special Recreational Vessels Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill).

The Bill amends the Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019 (SRV Act) to extend the repeal date in section 17 of the Act from 30 June 2023 to 30 June 2025.

Extending the repeal date will ensure that special recreational vessels can continue to opt in to the coastal trading regulatory regime, established by the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012, and obtain temporary licences to operate charters in Australia.

The Office of Impact Analysis has assessed that the proposed amendments are unlikely to have more than a minor regulatory impact on businesses, communities and individuals, and a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required.

Background

The SRV Act was enacted to allow special recreational vessels (also known as superyachts) to opt into the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (Coastal Trading Act). Special Recreational Vessels are able to apply for and operate under a Temporary Licence, regulated under the Coastal Trading Act. The Temporary Licence allows the SRV to operate for a commercial return within Australia. This also applies to s112 of the Coastal Trading Act, which provides an exemption from importation requirements under the Customs Act 1901.

Relevant Documentation

1. Exposure Draft Special Recreational Vessels Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 Exposure Draft can be accessed here.
2. Explanatory Material to the Bill can be accessed here.