34th Assembly, 25 November 2025
President, Secretary-General, honourable delegates.
It is my honour to address the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization during its thirty-fourth session, representing, Australia, a nation whose identity, prosperity, and future are inseparable from the ocean.
For over 65,000 years, the waters surrounding Australia have carried stories of navigation, trade, and connection—first by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose deep maritime knowledge continues to shape our understanding of stewardship, and now by one of the world’s largest maritime trading nations. Today, over 99% of our trade moves by sea, linking Australia to more than 1,000 shipping routes across the globe.
Australia is the, world’s largest exporter of bulk commodities. Each year, more than 30,000 ships call to our ports, navigating through some of the world’s most iconic and ecologically significant marine environments, from the Great Barrier Reef, the Torres Strait, the Coral Sea, and the Ningaloo Coast.
With 60,000 kilometres of coastline and over 8,000 islands, Australia is the proud steward of more than 3.1 million square kilometres of marine territory. With our island continent bordered by the Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans, our search and rescue region spans over 10% of the Earth’s surface. With more than 80% of our population living within the coastal zone, our nation’s prosperity, culture, and wellbeing are deeply tied to the ocean.
Australia’s commitment to the IMO as a founding member is grounded in our national values of fairness, openness, and respect. We champion transparency and inclusivity to ensure the Organization remains modern, representative, and responsive to the needs of all Member States.
In the past biennium, Australia has brought strong leadership, technical expertise, and balanced policy insight to the IMO—recognizing that, for our region, maritime connectivity is both a lifeline and a way of life. We continue to strengthen regional cooperation, deliver world-class search and rescue services, and provide satellite-based maritime surveillance to support our neighbours, many of whom are Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Our longstanding commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Pacific Islands Marine Spill Contingency Plan, a practical example of Australia’s tangible support for maritime safety and environmental protection in the Pacific
Australia welcomed the opening of the IMO’s Pacific Regional Presence Office in Fiji, a milestone that will strengthen targeted technical assistance across the Pacific. We are committed to supporting its success in the years ahead.
At the heart of our shared maritime mission are the people who make it possible — the seafarers. They are the backbone of global trade, and their safety, dignity, and wellbeing must be protected. Australia remains a vocal advocate for improving seafarers’ living and working conditions, and for eliminating exploitation and modern slavery in the maritime sector. We support international efforts to strengthen labour standards and ensure fair treatment for all who serve at sea.
We also recognise that a truly inclusive maritime industry must empower women at every level. Australia continues to promote gender equity through targeted initiatives, including leadership development, technical training, and regional partnerships that support women’s participation in maritime careers. Diversity strengthens the sector and drives innovation, resilience, and progress, and is a key priority for us moving forward.
We are proud that Dr Rosalie Balkin, an Australian, received the 2024 International Maritime Prize last night. Over a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years, Dr Balkin has made an outstanding contribution to maritime law, including breaking new ground as the first woman appointed to a Director-level position at the IMO. Her achievements truly embody the spirit of excellence that this prestigious award celebrates.
Australia has been—and will remain—a steadfast and passionate advocate for the vital role the IMO plays in strengthening global shipping and safeguarding our marine environment. We are proud of the progress we have achieved together over the past biennium but importantly recognise that our shared journey is far from over.
This year our campaign features a platypus, an iconic species found only in Australia. The platypus holds cultural significance to our First Nations peoples. Through Dreamtime stories, the platypus crossed boundaries and connected language groups as it travelled along water systems, connecting water and land. These are values that unite us in our global maritime mission. Today, the platypus stands as well for environmental conservation, echoing Australia’s commitment to clean waterways and marine protection.
Australia looks forward to continuing its contribution to a safer, more sustainable, maritime future for all.
Thank you.
The Hon Stephen Smith Australia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.