David Scott (FTA Member Representative - Sea Freight / Commercial Freight & Logistics) and I had the privilege today (6 November 2019) of meeting with Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie (Deputy Leader of the Nationals / Minister for Agriculture).

Service Levels

On behalf of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) we raised members' concerns about delays in entry processing and in particular, the ongoing and extended delays in inspections. We also outlined the need for transparency in the reporting of inspection delays.

While outlining the collaborative arrangements that exist between industry and executives at the Department of Agriculture, it remains evident that process improvements and additional resources are required to adequately service the international trade sector.

We stated that any increase in fees and levies must translate to a commensurate improvement in services to industry.

Biosecurity Import Levy

In terms of the Biosecurity Import Levy (for further background, please click HERE) we reiterated the broad outcomes as addressed in the Biosecurity Levy Steering Committee's discussion paper :

that the levy should be collected via a simple administrative collection model against the Full Import Declaration (FID) receipt – the clear underlying message being that if importers have to pay a new levy, they have the right to pay it at a net rate - something that is best achieved via the FID process;
the need for the creation of a Biosecurity Advisory Council; and
an annual Budget-related paper which would provide a full reconciliation of biosecurity-related revenue and expenditure and thereby assist in clarifying how funds are collected and appropriated, and where they are spent.

The Minister acknowledged and thanked me for my participation in the Biosecurity Levy Steering Committee and advised that the final release of the government's response is "imminent". This would align to the fact that Biosecurity Import Levy has been included in the agenda for the Department of Agriculture Cargo Consultative Committee meeting scheduled for 20 November 2019.

Further commentary

The Minister also kindly offered to write a foreword for our upcoming Summer edition of Across Borders - we look forward to sharing this content and ongoing engagement with representatives at the most senior levels of government.

Paul Zalai - Director and Co-Founder, FTA / Secretariat, APSA

FTA / APSA advocacy - meeting the Minister for Agriculture