Background

The Board had the opportunity to engage with AMSA’s Melbourne staff throughout the day and gain valuable insights into the benefits AMSA’s new Melbourne office will provide staff.

This meeting

• The Board approved the sale of two surplus Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) sites, noting that due to advances in technology, the DGPS network is no longer required.
• The Board reviewed and discussed AMSA’s Statement of Regulatory Approach, noting that it had been updated to align with the Ministers Statement of Expectation of AMSA. The Board endorsed the publication of the statement and encouraged communication to all relevant stakeholders.
• The Board noted the update provided following the first meeting of the Board’s People and Culture sub-committee. The Board noted the topics which will be a focus for the sub-committee and the workplan that has been created.
• The Board noted the progress of the Data Capability and Analytics team and the work that is being done on strengthening AMSA’s capability to leverage data and analyse information to support efficient and effective activities and inform future priorities and areas of focus.
• The Board discussed AMSA’s financial position, and the month-end forecast for February 2025. The Board also held a discussion around AMSA’s sustainable funding.
• The Board reviewed the annual report outlining its work, health, and safety due diligence responsibilities and acknowledged the measures undertaken by the Board to fulfill these duties, which includes reviewing comprehensive WHS reporting, attendance at vessel inspections, and building WHS walk around inspections of AMSA’s offices.
• The Board discussed AMSA’s Enterprise Risk Register and Developing Risk Register – documents which are reviewed regularly and provide the Board with oversight of management’s identification, control and treatment of risks.  

Following the Board meeting, the Board travelled to Geelong to engage with a number of stakeholders and toured the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC), Ports Victoria and Searoad Ferries.

The Board also visited AMSA’s Essendon based Challenger aircraft and associated flight simulator and welcomed the opportunity to speak with search and rescue crews who operate 24/7 and who were keen to share their experiences and demonstrate their comprehensive operational and training facilities.

Next meeting

The next Board meeting will be held in Canberra on 25 June 2025.

Capt. Jeanine Drummond

Chair, AMSA Board