Key outcomes from the 17 November 2023 Seacare Authority meeting

The Seacare Authority met in Melbourne on 17 November 2023. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out below.

Seacare Authority Mental Health Strategy

Following the changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (WHS Regulations), which introduce new requirements on how employers must identify and manage hazards and risks to workers’ psychological health and safety (psychosocial factors), the Seacare Authority agreed that it was timely to remind industry participants of the resources available in relation to promoting mentally safe and healthy workplaces.

With these changes, the Seacare Authority will now take the opportunity to revisit its Mental Health Strategy. We will also write to senior union and employer contacts to remind participants of the importance of this issue and the resources available on the Seacare and Comcare websites.

Seafarers Safety Net Fund (Fund) – Target cash reserve and levy rate

The Seacare Authority undertook its biannual review of the Fund’s target cash reserve and levy rate. Members agreed that no change should be made to either the reserve or levy rate, with a formal review scheduled for consideration in June 2024.

Strategic risk management

The Seacare Authority considers its strategic risk register at each of its regular meetings, with a particular focus on the risk that the Scheme may become unviable.

Members agreed to amendments to the register, which more clearly articulate the actions to be undertaken to ensure the continued viability of the Scheme and the Fund.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held in Canberra on 7 March 2024.