Maritime Union of Australia
Darwin port workers fear the lack of a cohesive and nationally-consistent policy on addressing COVID risks involving international shipping poses a significant threat of a community outbreak of the deadly virus in the Northern Territory.
The Maritime Union of Australia said the concerns of waterfront workers had been heightened after a 25-year-old seafarer from the Diamantina livestock carrier, which arrived from Indonesia on Sunday night, tested positive for the virus.
The union said vessels continued to dock around Australia inside the 14 day quarantine period imposed on other travellers, while the maritime arrival system remained reliant on a self-declaration system where a ship’s master is responsible for reporting if there are sick crew members on board.