SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
3DL solution-based outcomes for all of industry & extended operating hours (Monday to Friday 0600 to 2300, Weekends 0800 to 1400) ... read more |  |
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| NOTE - some articles are accessible only with FTA / APSA MEMBER LOGIN |
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DESPERATE TIMES
Cash flow is the big ticket item with many importers looking for extended credit and jeopardising the financial viability of some customs brokers left outlaying millions of dollars on a monthly basis. There is genuine concern that some will not survive the financial hardship. |
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DEFERRAL OF DUTY, GST AND IMPORT PROCESSING CHARGES
We note that other customs administrations (Canada, USA and New Zealand) are offering some form of tax relief / deferral for imported cargo.
We are also encouraged to note that other industry bodies are now getting behind our lead to have Duty, GST and IPC deferred.
Below is an update on our advocacy on this important matter:- Letter to the National Covid-19 Coordination Commission – refer HERE;
- Contact with ABF executive yesterday who disappointingly are yet to hear back from Treasury;
- Initial correspondence direct to Treasury;
- Approaches to state governments to escalate to a federal level;
- Follow up to see what opportunities / scope may exist via Trusted Traders; and
- Meeting tomorrow with the ABF Commissioner as a member of the Customs Advisory Board
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INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGES
The most recent announcements by DP World Australian (DPWA) are astounding introducing significant increases on imports without ANY level of industry engagement - refer HERE
In a desperate to attempt to recover the position, FTA / APSA reached out to DPWA executives over the week-end. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled with the DPWA Chief Executive Officer for this afternoon, Tuesday 31 March 2020.
Following our recent engagement with The Hon. Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight (Victoria), we are encouraged to read her commentary this morning in the The Age stating "This decision is unacceptable," and "Especially at a time when everyone should be pulling together to keep freight moving."
We anticipate a similar reaction from The Hon. Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Roads (NSW) who was previously snubbed when warning DP World Australia against the last price increase of 43 per cent introduced on 1 January 2020.
Perhaps this latest act of defiance by DPWA is the catalyst required to finally force governments to regulate against this abuse of market power. If government was ever going to act, now is the time when Australian commerce is on its knees, begging for support. |
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| During this stressful time, we encourage everyone look after their mental and physical health |
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EMPLOYERS AND MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Reach out to employees and create a mentally healthy workplace. Your staff will look to you for leadership, guidance and support. There are several things employers can do to support staff whilst they are working from home, during the COVID-19 pandemic ... read more |
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| LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be scary and can affect our mental health. As the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and locally, it's normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions including: ... read more |
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THE AGE 31.3.2020 - "UNACCEPTABLE": MINISTER SLAMS DP WORLD'S PLAN TO HIKE IMPORT FEES
Thank you to Timma Jacks at The Age for hearing our concern and showcasing the impact of this price increase on importers at a time of economic crisis. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) featured alongside CTAA and VTA outlining the dire impacts on the transport sector and other supply chain entities ... read more |
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WEBINAR RECORDINGS - EXCLUSIVE TO FTA, APSA & CTAA MEMBERS
CORONAVIRUS - GOVERNMENT AID
Phil O'Toole, Managing Director of Centium delivered a webinar outlining the Federal and State Governments Business Support Measures designed to assist your business during these uncertain times with the Coronavirus within our shores - a PDF copy of slides and access to the recording is available HERE
CORONAVIRUS – LEGAL ISSUES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE SECTOR
Russell Wiese and David Thompson of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers delivered a webinar to in excess of 300 registered members on the supply chain - commercial and employment law issues arising due to the impact of the Coronavirus - a PDF copy of slides and access to the recording is available HERE. |
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| UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAINING |
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| FTA CPD BORDER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM POSTPONED & NEW DATES ANNOUNCED Please note that our revised dates for our events fall within the new 2020 /2021 CPD period (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021) and will continue to provide 24 CPD points.
CPD Border Compliance Program – (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021)
NSW: Friday 5 & Saturday 6 February 2021 – Novotel Brighton Le-Sands
VIC: Friday 12 & Saturday 13 February 2021 – Hyatt Place Essendon Fields
QLD: Wednesday 17 February 2021 – Novotel Brisbane Airport
WA: Saturday 20 February 2021 – Hyatt Regency Perth
These dates have been chosen with coronavirus, winter, peak season, Christmas and school holidays in mind. We have also considered the very fluid nature of this situation. No one at this stage can safely put an end date on the restrictions to travel and meetings that are currently in place. We have looked for the period that provides as much flexibility to allow for the situation to improve and allow us all to resume normal business interactions.
Over the coming weeks and months FTA will be providing free webinars to keep members up to date with any important information to ensure you stay at the forefront of emerging issues.
We thank you for your continued support and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me on czalai@ftalliance.com.au or 02 9975 1878.
Caroline Zalai - Director, FTA / APSA Secretariat |
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| PROTECTING AUSTRALIA'S BORDERS - AUTUMN 2020 "ACROSS BORDERS" |
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| By MICHAEL OUTRAM APM, Commissioner and Comptroller General of Customs – Australian Border Force |
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It is our mission to keep building a prosperous, secure and united Australia. In the wake of the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus in China, on 1 February, Australia implemented a whole of Government response to mitigate the risk posed to the health and safety of the Australian community by this global health emergency.
The ABF was swift to implement enhanced border control measures to minimise the risk of the virus spreading to Australia, while concurrently facilitating the safe return to Australia of vulnerable Australian citizens isolated in China's Hubei Province. We continue to work with industry to manage risks and minimise the impact of the Novel Coronavirus on Australia's commercial interests.
... read more |
 Contact us to showcase your business or service via a member profile, thought leadership contribution or advertising via Across Borders and our associated media. |
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- Flinders Trade Report February 2020 ... read more
- Fremantle Ports - Trade Statistics February 2020 ... read more
- Fremantle Ports - APSA Trade Statistics February 2020 ... read more
- IATA Airlines Financial Monitor January-February 2020 ... read more
- NSW Ports Monthly Trade Report January 2020 … read more
- Port Kembla and Port Botany Trade Statistics January 2020 ... read more
- Port of Melbourne Trade Statistics February 2020 ... read more
- Port of Newcastle Trade Report February 2020 ... read more
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- Coronavirus Shipping Notices 17th to 23rd March 2020 ... read more
- Shipping Notices 24th to 30th March 2020 ... read more
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24.3.20 - Essential Services - FTA states a need for the entire international supply chain ... read more
26.3.20 - Essential services - Communique received from Federal, State and Territory Ministers ... read more
26.3.20 - Port of Newcastle operations continue with COVID-19 response measures in place ... read more
28.3.20 - DP World announce adjustments in infrastructure charges - differentiated charges introduced for import and export ... read more
28.3.20 - CTAA - DP WORLD access fee hikes "tone deaf" during current COVID-19 crisis ... read more
30.3.20 - WW ... read more
30.3.20 - Port of Melbourne's response to COVID-19 – update 3 |
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Airfreight Coronavirus Notices 24th to 30th March 2020 ... read more
24.3.20 - ICAO Council underscores vital role of air transport to worldwide post-crisis recovery ... read more
27.3.20 - IATA - European airlines revenue losses mount - urgent Government support required ... read more
28.3.20 - IATA - Statement: EU waives slot use rule for summer season ... read more |
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24.3.20 - NZ Customs Release 552 ... login required
27.3.20 - NZ Customs Release 553 ... login required
27.3.20 - NZ Customs Release 554 - Tarriff Concessions response to COVID-19 ... read more |
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24.3.20 - Department of Agriculture - 44-2020 - Service disruption: from 16:00 to 23:59 Sunday 29 March 2020 (AEDT) - BICON ... read more
24.3.20 - Department of Agriculture - 45-2020 - COVID-19 Impact on cat and dog imports to Australia... read more
24.3.30 - Department of Agriculture - 46-2020 - Changes to a human health pre-arrival question in the maritime arrivals reporting system (MARS) ... read more
25.3.20 - Coronavirus Weekly update ... read more
25.3.30 - Department of Agriculture - 2020-13 - Plant Export Operations - disruptions to services to Plant Export Industry ... login required
26.3.20 - COVID-19 Impact on Biosecurity operations ... read more
26.3.30 - Department of Agriculture - 47-2020 - COVID-19 Impact on Biosecurity operations ... read more
27.3.30 - Department of Agriculture -COVID-19 UPDATE ... login required |
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24.3.20 - IFCBA News: WCO: COVID-19 urgent notice: Counterfeit medical supplies and introduction of export controls on Personal Protective Equipment ... read more
24.3.20 - The WCO - Global RILO Network continues to support WCO Members in times of crisis ... read more
24.3.20 - ABF - Australian Customs Notice 2020-14 ... read more
25.3.20 - Deferral of Duty, GST and Import Processing charges ... read more
26.3.20 - COVID-19: WCO launches an IPR CENCOMM group for data exchange on counterfetr medical supplies and fake medicine ... read more
26.3.20 - WTO sets up dedicated webpage for COVID-19 and trade ... read more
26.3.20 - DG AZEVÊDO requests WTO Members to share information on trade measures related to COVID-19 ... read more
26.3.20 - WTO - AZEVÊDO sees sharp fall in trade, calls for global solutions to COVID-19 crisis ... read more
26.3.20 - ABF - Export measures regarding COVID-19 ... login required
26.3.20 - TLS (Transport Layer Security) ... login required
27.3.20 - WCO - Conventions on temporary remission ... read more
27.3.20 - Message of the WCO Secretary General on the Coronavirus ... read more
27.3.20 - AFP - Tin Can Bay man charged with importing gun parts ... read more
27.3.20 - DG AZEVÊDO Welcomes G20 pledge on COVID-19 response and economic recovery ... read more
27.3.20 - WTO Members continue efforts to advance agriculture negotiations despite COVID-19 crisis ... read more
27.3.20 - WTO - DDG WOLFF: COVID-19 crisis calls for "Unprecedented level" of international co-operation ... read more
27.3.20 - WTO - DG AZEVÊDO requests members tob share information on trade measures related to COVID-19 ... read more
30.3.20 - ABF export measures regarding COVID-19 ... read more |
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| 26.3.20 - TC Gazette 20/12 ... read more |
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24.3.20 - DFAT - Helping Australian businesses manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ... read more
25.3.20 - DFAT - Joint Ministerial statement by Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, New Zeaand and Singapore ... read more
30.3.29 - DFAT - Establishment of interim appeal arrangement for trade disputes ... read more |
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| ANTI-DUMPING COMMISSION NOTICES - ADN |
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- QUOTE 2019/02 - Looking to buy - Melbourne, Adelaide or Fremantle Perth
- QUOTE 2019/01 - Corporate Customs Broker Licence
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More about our Classifieds service available HERE |
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FINANCE REPORT
 Weekly Market CommentaryEquity market closed sharply lower to close what has been a spectacular week of recovery in the global share markets. Central Banks and Governments have stepped up monetary and fiscal stimulus/support packages that seemed to satisfy markets. T he Fed led the way with 'QE Infinity' while the US Congress passed a $2 Trillion support/bailout package, the largest in US history. ... read moreWeekly Market Calendar | 30/3 EU Consumer Confidence, German CPI ... ... read more |
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CANDIDATE OF THE WEEK
 Melbourne – Cartage Coordinator
A candidate with exposure to LCL, FCL & Air Freight cartage – managing transport of both inbound and outbound of cargo. An outgoing and positive influence within their ... read more
Contact: Leanne Lewis
Managing Director
leanne@insyncpersonnel.com.au
0439 542 022 Sydney – Customer Service (Temp Or Perm)Experienced candidate in both Customer Service and Operations whom has recently been made redundant due to a downturn in business, and acquisition ... read moreContact: Christian Merrigan Branch Manager - Sydney 1300 467 962 |
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FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.
2020 sponsorship prospectus is available HERE |
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