The recent audacious pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the horn of Africa have fuelled the debate about the privatisation of maritime security. Ship owners and maritime security experts, as well as representatives of industry organisations, have stated that private security companies may be able to ensure safe passage for vessels through...

This paper evaluates the role of the Sydney Harbour Trust in the first decade of its existence. The Trust is notable for being one of the first public bodies created through a transfer of powers from local authorities to an ad hoc board in New South Wales. It operated without any municipal representation.