Aidan,

The point is that the chinese shipping company that we had a contract for shipping to Asia and to Perth was not paying the same wages, as the cost of living in China is fraction of what it is in Aus.

As the Wage law increased the costs of foreign owned ships only, it is protectionism.

Shadow,

I know what the point you're trying to make is, but just because you're saying it doesn't mean it's true!

Firstly, ITYF it increased the cost of foreign flagged ships rather than foreign owned ships.
Secondly, it did not increase the cost by taxation; it merely ended an exemption they had from existing regulations. Ending exemptions is not protectionism even if those affected are foreign.

And I ask again: when did the shipping costs suddenly jump by 60-70%?