Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, has called for stronger protections for foreign cruise ship workers following allegations of poor pay and harsh working conditions aboard Carnival cruise ships.
The call comes after an ABC News investigation reported allegations from Carnival crew members of extremely long working hours, inadequate medical care and poor living conditions. Some workers also alleged they were forced to eat leftover food that had gone bad. Carnival has denied the allegations.
Evans said foreign crew members working on ships that operate through Australian ports should receive protections comparable to those available to Australian workers. He argued that companies operating in Australian waters should meet Australian standards for worker welfare.
The controversy has also highlighted a legal exemption affecting foreign-flagged cruise ships. Such vessels travelling between Australian ports are generally not required to comply with the Fair Work Act because of an exemption from certain licensing requirements. The measure was introduced as temporary in 1998 but has continued to be renewed.
The Maritime Union of Australia has separately reported complaints from Carnival workers alleging overcrowded accommodation, inadequate access to safe drinking water and wages as low as $2.50 an hour. The union has called for stronger oversight of cruise operators.
Carnival has rejected the allegations and said it has “nothing to hide.” The company has also said it welcomes oversight by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which has conducted inspections of Carnival vessels following worker welfare concerns.
Evans’ intervention has renewed debate over whether Australia’s current laws provide enough protection for foreign workers on cruise ships. He is urging authorities to close legal gaps and ensure that workers operating through Australian ports are protected from exploitation.
A Carnival cruise ship arrives at an Australian port amid calls for stronger protections for foreign cruise ship workers.
