(1)

The purpose of this Act is to safeguard against unlawful interference with maritime transport.

(2)

To achieve this purpose, this Act establishes a regulatory framework centred around the development of security plans for ships and other maritime transport operations.

(3)

The implementation of a security plan should make an appropriate contribution to the achievement of the maritime security outcomes.

(4)

The maritime security outcomes are as follows:

(a) Australia's obligations under Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code, including those with regard to the rights, freedoms and welfare of seafarers, are met;
(b) the vulnerability to terrorist attack of Australian ships, ports and other ships within Australia is reduced without undue disruption to trade;
(c) the risk that maritime transport is used to facilitate terrorist or other unlawful activities is reduced;
(d) security information is communicated effectively among maritime industry participants and government agencies with maritime transport security responsibilities.

(5)

It is not the purpose of this Act to prevent lawful advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action that does not compromise maritime security.