International Shipping Competition Law Reform

UPDATE 1 - FTA/APSA Meeting with Treasury Taskforce
UPDATE 2 - Invitation to join Container Shipping Performance Working Group meeting

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are privileged to have regular direct engagement with the Hon Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight (Victoria) addressing a wide range of operational matters impacting exporters, importers and international freight forwarders.

Over the course of this year, a matter discussed at length has been for the need for the Federal Government to respond to the findings of the Productivity Commission (PC) review of Australia's Maritime Logistics System and urging support four advocacy.

Meeting this request, FTA / APSA received a copy of correspondence earlier today from Minister Horne to the Assistant Federal Treasurer.

Of particular note, the Minister stated the following:

"We continue to support the need for reform of the protections and exemptions that the shipping industry has enjoyed in the country for too long. Shipping lines continue to use their market power and protection from consumer law to exert undue pressure and influence on costs and contractual terms in the shipping container supply chain. I would welcome supporting you in delivering the PC recommendations to remove the current exemptions form consumer law protections."

The official correspondence is available HERE (FTA/APSA MEMBER LOGIN REQUIRED)

FTA / APSA will continue advocacy for reform to competition law and the implementation of of the broader PC recommendations.

Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPETITION LAW REFORM – UPDATE 3 : Victorian Ports Minister supports FTA / APSA advocacy for reform