Legal issues surrounding an Australian coastguard

Abstract

In 2001, the then Opposition introduced the 'Australian Coast Guard Bill' 2001 to the Commonwealth Parliament. While the House ofRepresentatives was never likely to pass the Bill, it is still of significant importance to the RAN. It represents the first legal manifestation of the long and oft discussed Australian Coastguard and the Opposition still appears to favour a Coastguard as an idea. The aim of this article is to discuss some of the legal issues arising from the Bill, the issue of Australia's maritime law enforcement capability, and some alternative legal options for a Coastguard. Thearticle is intentionally brief as its intention is to raise ideas rather than provide a complete exposition of the issues.