The Australian Government has today announced Captain Jeanine Drummond as the new Chair of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Board.
We also welcome Mr Dean Summers and Ms Michelle Taylor as new board members.
These appointments will ensure strong leadership that enhances the critical role AMSA plays in protecting our marine environment, supporting safe navigation and marine safety, as well as providing a national search and rescue service.
Captain Drummond is the first woman appointed to the permanent role of Chair, and more than half the membership of the board is female. These are both important landmarks for the maritime industry.
Captain Drummond is an experienced Harbour Master, Master Mariner and Maritime Industry Professional who is a well-respected member of the maritime community.
She has led and contributed expertise to projects spanning ports governance, pilotage standards, port resource management, offshore wind developments, maritime workplace inclusion and safety management systems.
First appointed to the AMSA Board in 2020 and currently serving as a member for the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College Advisory Board and the Australian Mariners Welfare Society Council, Captain Drummond already has critical roles in improving maritime safety, skills and seafarer wellbeing.
Mr Dean Summers is an experienced seafarer who has had extensive involvement in the maritime industry domestically and internationally, particularly through his senior leadership position in the International Transport Workers Forum.
He also brings experience in engaging with government on regulatory matters, which will be crucial for the board’s work.
Ms Michelle Taylor specialises in maritime and transport law and is currently a partner of Sparke Helmore Lawyers, bringing more than 25 years’ experience as a litigator – including previously working with AMSA and the Department of Defence.
As the current President of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand and serving on the Australian Maritime and Transport Arbitration Commission executive, her extensive experience with shipping issues has been recognised internationally.
Ms Taylor’s appointment will provide the board with valuable expertise in maritime law, including comprehensive knowledge of casualty and pollution matters.
I welcome the new chair and members to their roles and look forward to continuing to work with AMSA as we ensure a safe and environmentally-friendly maritime sector.
I also thank Ms Jennifer Clark for her service as the acting Chair.
