FTA / APSA meeting with the Deputy Secretary - Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

On Friday 17 June 2022, I had the privilege of a bi-lateral meeting with Col Hunter (First Assistant Secretary Biosecurity Operations Division), Andrew Patterson (Assistant Secretary Cargo Ops and Regulatory Assurance) and Chris Locke, the new Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (to be renamed the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from 1 July 2022 ). The meeting provided an opportunity to introduce Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) to the Deputy Secretary in what was a valuable 45 minute engagement addressing key high level discussion points. OBSERVATIONS & OVERARCHING DISCUSSION

•    The Deputy Secretary had clearly been extremely well briefed after only 3 days on the job understanding current challenges faced by industry - whilst there is an unquestionable priority to safeguard against Biosecurity risks, there is an equivalent need to facilitate legitimate trade through ongoing reform; •    Current delays in inspections / bookings are contributing to significant costs to importers in storage, servicing contractual agreements to customers and container detention charges administered by foreign owned shipping lines;

•    The service delays are spilling over and creating angst between industry and departmental officers – whilst any unprofessional engagement is unacceptable, it is a symptom of problems being experienced;  •    Onshore treatments are struggling to keep up with demand – shipping capacity restraints appears to lead some importers to grab available slots and look to complete onshore treatment; •   Industry can be innovative in terms of new ways in doing things, but we need to have some parameters on boundaries and "non-negotiables"; and  •    The Biosecurity Innovation Program project in progress between the department and FTA (proof of concept for a CTU Code App) has been an extremely positive experience - more work is to be completed in coming months on incentives for uptake - likelihood it will be showcase reform that can be achieved via a genuine co-design process. FOCUS ON SHORT TERM INITIATIVES •    AEPCOMM – example provided on "heavy-handed" compliance – need to have a "carrot" as well as a "stick" to incentivise uptake – a strong compliance regime is imperative but needs to fair, consistent and reasonable; •    14.4 RURAL TAILGATES – Approved Arrangement requires fast-track implementation to provide immediate relief – imports to rural locations expected to significantly increase for infrastructure and renewable energy projects;   •    Australian International Movers Association – personal effects – Andrew Patterson committed to follow up on 2018 trial Approved Arrangement;  •    GREEN LANE – requires fast-track to facilitate release for highly compliant importers; •    INSPECTIONS PORTAL - low uptake appears to be caused by the need for personal My Gov accounts – potential review of authentication options; and •    COST RECOVERY – adjustments to cost recovery could be accepted if it can be demonstrated to directly reflect improved services and / or incentivise more efficient processes – Full Import Declaration is a preferred option with importers paying at a net rate.  The Deputy Secretary concluded the meeting by offering ongoing direct engagement to FTA / APSA.. Whilst the meeting could not have been more encouraging, the reality is that ongoing delays can be expected until additional resources and reforms are deployed. For the foreseeable future, it is highly recommended that importers factor in additional landed costs to accommodate Biosecurity processing and broader logistics operational delays. Paul Zalai - Director FTA |  Secretariat APSA | Director GSF