The Minister for Transport and Transport for NSW welcome the appointment of new members to the Maritime Advisory Council.

Emma Humphries and Steve Hatch have been appointed to the council and will provide independent, expert advice to the minister on a broad range of maritime-related matters, such as maritime safety, maritime infrastructure and maritime property.

Humphries, the National Event, Class and Youth Manager for Australian Sailing, said she is excited about her new role. 

"I look forward to assisting the minister and helping improve safety and infrastructure for sailors in NSW," Humphries said.

"Steve Hatch has also been appointed. Steve is a long serving international race official and recipient of the NSW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

"This is an important appointment as it improves the representation of sailing to the state government."

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the Maritime Advisory Council play an important role in keeping everybody safe on the NSW waterways.

“NSW has the most beautiful waterways in the world, and as transport minister, I take great pride in being responsible for our maritime operations," Minister Haylen said.

“The Maritime Advisory Council is a vital body, analysing boating data, providing me with expert and independent advice, and greatly supporting our target of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our state’s waterways."

Transport for NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Safety, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb added: “Every member of the Maritime Advisory Council is a passionate boater, kayaker, water skier and water lover. Their input ensures we hear from all people using our waterways."

John Douglas will represent Australian Sailing on the Maritime Recreational Vessel Advisory Group (RVAG) - a group that helps to enable strategic two-way engagement between NSW Maritime and key state-wide recreational vessel member associations.