Bianca Flint, Member Support – Trade Operations | Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), recently met with Stephen Di Lorenzo from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Stephen is leading a project focused on how exporters can effectively utilise Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The meeting was highly productive, covering a range of important issues. FTA has been encouraged by the Department to write a submission under their current engagement for the EU-FTA and CECA Free Trade Agreements.

If you would like to contribute, please contact Bianca via email. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been fielding enquiries from members as to the dates for the above mandatory units to be completed in this CPD/CBC year. The latest advice we have from both agencies is as follows.

ABF - the unit is currently being finalised and likely to be released late September
DAFF - the unit is expected  to be available for members to complete in February 2025

FTA will keep members advised as more information is available

26 September 2024 : 2024 Senior & Retired Customs Brokers Luncheon (NSW)
16 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Brisbane 
17 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Toowoomba 
22 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Sydney 
29 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Melbourne 
31 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Shepparton 
1 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Wagga Wagga
19 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Port Adelaide 
20 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Fremantle 

LOGISTICS

Late last year Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) collaborated with Shipping Australia Ltd (SAL) and Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) to call on the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to declare a 'disruption event' in accordance with the Victorian Voluntary Code of Practice (VCoP), following significant congestion and operational challenges at the Port of Melbourne, exacerbated by unsuccessful efforts to resolve the Protected Industrial Action at DP World, with delays and costs jeopardising business viability and fuelling inflationary pressures. The outcome of those actions has seen the above mentioned report released. Victoria remains a leader in establishing a formalised, structured approach through the VCoP to manage freight disruptions, with the DRG model ensuring strong collaboration between government and industry. READ MORE

Kenwick Intermodal Terminal officially opened

Perth's newest intermodal terminal was officially opened in Kenwick on 2 September, 2024 and is set to be a critical piece of infrastructure for growing rail volumes through Fremantle Port and the future Westport. READ MORE (courtesy Arc Infrastructure)

As part of Fremantle Ports ongoing commitment to safety, we are pleased to be able to extend this notification service to our customers If you would like to receive email or text message notifications regarding lightning alerts, please contact Jay Illingworth at Jay.Illingworth@fremantleports.com.au. READ MORE. 

Logistics companies diversify to mitigate supply chain turbulence, but may be overconfident in ability to recover – research finds

Supply chain professionals are diversifying their route and partner network and implementing real-time monitoring for faster decision making to mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity attacks. However, a lack of regular scenario planning to test their ability to respond may mean they are overconfident in their ability to recover, finds new research commissioned by CargoWise. READ MORE

The Fremantle Ports Harbour Master's Office has released an updated Adverse Weather Monitoring and Management procedure, as well the Fremantle Bridges Alliance has shared their Swan River Crossings Project - Port Community presentation. 

Notice of Temporary Obstruction of Oversize Gates on Tydeman Road, North Fremantle

We anticipate a possible contingency period of 1-2 days should any unforeseen circumstances arise. Please note that the oversize gates on Napier Road will remain fully operational during this time.

Westport Navigate Newsletter

In this issue, we discuss:

• The State Government's Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy

• Our recent work with industry in Kwinana

• Land protection for the future Anketell West and Port Precinct

• The latest research findings from our $13.5 partnership with the WA Marine Science Institution.  
  READ MORE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

In this months' issue these are just some of the events that ICHCA looks at;

• Megatrans 2024

• New CEO at AMSA

• Hydrogen demand will require hundreds of additional shipe
  READ MORE

SEAFREIGHT

Cargo Integrity Group Applauds Recent MSA Circular, Emphasises Ongoing Commitment to Supply Chain Safety

 It is imperative that all parties involved in the supply chain – including shippers, freight forwarders, carriers, and port operators – recognize their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the safe transport of containers, both in compliance with dangerous goods regulations and in adopting sound industry practice, such as the CTU Code. READ MORE

NB: Review the Upcoming Events section of the FTA website for details of upcoming seminars on " Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices"

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

QANTAS has announced new freight schedules between Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Increased service frequency and freight capacity follows the recent addition of a new A321 passenger-to-freight (P2F) aircraft to the Qantas Freight fleet.

The new schedule, introduced to support new and growing demand, complements existing capacity available on passenger services. READ MORE (courtesy DCN)

Qantas Freight Operations

Please refer the Qantas Freight site for updates on operational matters. 

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Industry Survey on Approved Arrangements for Container Inspection and Cleaning

Under the Hitchhiker Pest Program, DAFF are developing a new policy for managing biosecurity risks associated with containers. The proposed policy involves new types of approved arrangements, particularly in wharf and port areas. 

The survey provides industry the opportunity to: 

• Indicate whether these approved arrangements would be of interest to you.

• Identify any concerns you may have.

• Provide any comments or suggestions on what is proposed. 

Your input will help the department to refine policy and implementation processes for these arrangements. 

The "Have Your Say" consultation will be open from the 27 August 2024 to 5pm on Tuesday 8 October. READ MORE

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

9 September 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Notices:

BORDER

Notices:
9.9.2024 : AFP - Perth men jailed, international drug supply chain cut ... read more
6.9.2024 : NZ Customs Release ... read more
4.9.2024 : Sydney man charged over role in $29 million methamphetamine importation ... read more
4.9.2024 : Two men charged with allegedly possessing 110kg of cocaine in Far North Queensland ... read more
3.9.2024 : Unlocking the Value of OSINT in Customs Enforcement: A New Study Report by the WCO ... read more
3.9.2024 : ABF TC Gazette ... read more

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 9th September 2024

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  
 LOGIN REQUIRED

In the latest update from Austrade they look at;

• Expert insights on doing business in Papua New Guinea

• Five exporting tips from one of our Australian Export Awards sponsors

• The changing taste of wine in China
  READ MORE

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 9th September 2024

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
 LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED 

13.9.2023 : Webinars & Recordings ... login required

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE