NSW Freight Policy Reform - Interim Directions Paper - Call for Feedback

In April, the Freight Policy Reform Consultation Paper was published, with FTA/APSA subsequently making a formal submission drawing on the invaluable feedback provided by our members. The Interim Directions Paper, released on 11 September 2024 outlines key themes and proposed actions for consultation.

Members are invited to an information session with the Independent Advisory Panel on Monday, 23 September 2024, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, (AEST) to discuss the Paper and the consultation process. Registration is open until Friday, 20 September 2024 and members can register here.

Submissions for the Interim Directions Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by 16 October 2024 for incorporation into the FTA/APSA submission.

Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) Consultation Paper - Call for Feedback

The MLETR, developed by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), seeks to confirm that electronic transferable records, such as bills of lading and bills of exchange, have the same legal standing as their paper counterparts. This initiative, aimed at creating efficiencies and promoting digital trade, involves extensive collaboration with stakeholders across industry, border agencies, and state/territory governments. 

the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) has launched a public consultation on the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), an important step towards modernising trade documentation in Australia. S

ubmissions for the MLETR Consultation Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by Friday 18 October 2024 for incorporation into the FTA / APSA submission. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Paul & Caroline's tour of Australia's vast outback continues. Fascinating watching containers on rail alongside a salt lake situated between Coober Pedy and Woomera. Nice to see Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) member Aurizon in action.

Sal Milici, General Manager, Trade Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA, last week had the privilege of hosting a table at the Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) Grand Final Lunch. This provided a great opportunity to network with industry professionals and hear from AFL legend Dermott Brereton. His presentation was not only entertaining but he shared interesting views on playing against Paul Roos.Thank you also to Neil Chambers for another great event. 

John Park at ScaleUP WA

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

You still have a duty of care to ensure that all parties involved in the transport process comply with safety standards, whether the transport is handled in-house or outsourced.  

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 

23 October 2024 : AI powered solutions and integrations for Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Freight Forwarders - presented by Cloudster Connect [

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 
20 November 2024 : Freight quoting revolutionised presented by NAVLAB 

LOGISTICS

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) recently shared a member notice highlighting the release of a new Interim Directions Paper marking the opening of the next stage of the NSW Freight Policy Reform program. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) last week issued a notice regarding an updated version of the Interim Directions Paper, now available HERE and on the project website  READ MORE

ACFS PORT Logistics has announced the pilot of the company's first electric truck, a Mercedes eActros, making it the first Australian company to do so for Daimler in the heavy vehicle range.

READ MORE  (credit DCN)

Brisbane: 
Yard Operation Hours this week
Mon 23rd - 0600/2400 Tues 24th 0000/2400 Wed 25th 0000/2400 Thurs 26th 0600/2200 Frid 27th 0600/2200 Sat 28th 0600/1400 Sun 29th closed
Sydney:
MUA Stop Work meeting Wed 25th from 1000 / 1600

Voluntary Port Performance Framework Quarterly Dashboard

Freight Victoria in the Department of Transport and Planning has released the quarter four, 2024 dashboard under the Voluntary Port Performance Model (VPPM).

The dashboard provides data from the three stevedores and other stakeholders and is updated every quarter, providing monthly performance data, to increase transparency of land-side port operations. READ MORE

Nominations for the above awards to be held at the Plaza Ballroom In Melbourne on 21 November, 2024 are now open. Have a look at the categories and nominate now.  READ MORE

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is the Jobs and Skills Council for Australia's Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Transport and Logistics industries. Established in 2023 by the Australian Government, they are charged with bringing together employers, unions and governments to find solutions to the current and emerging skills and workforce challenges.They will be hosting a series of Industry Roundtables across Australia in the coming weeks. ISA is keen to hear from industry about:
• Current and emerging skills and workforce development priorities
• Key blockages and bottlenecks
• High-impact solutions that you as industry would like to see put into action.
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

SEAFREIGHT

As of Monday October 21, 2024 our new address will be:
Suite 802, Level 8 / 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

For further information, please contact your local Hapag-Lloyd office at 1300 427 245

TT Talk - Asset management in the face of climate change

The maritime industry's ports, terminals, and ships play a vital role in global trade. However, the sector faces real challenges from aging infrastructure and its ability to accommodate climate change. These challenges have been recognised in the latest revision of the relevant ISO standard on asset management. READ MORE

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

New Measures to Import Air Cargo Due to Emerging Threat To Aviation Security - UPDATE 1

In line with ongoing representation for members by the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA ) | Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) at the Air Cargo Security Industry Advisory Forum (ACSIAF), FTA/APSA attended two meetings chaired by First Assistant Secretary Sally Pfeiffer at the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA). The meetings were convened to address a change in the threat environment for aviation security.

READ MORE (login required)

Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Releasing IFIP Impeded Goods under CONDCLEAR Status -
Updated Guidance

To provide further clarity, DAFF Imported Foods has now published updated guidance. 
The revised guidance now states that: Where the consignment has CONDCLEAR
status in ICS, the goods can be released to the importer's control while awaiting the FCC. READ MORE (member login required)

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 

23 September 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Notices:

BORDER

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has issued ACN 2024/32 in which they outline the ABF requirements for importers and licensed customs brokers in relation to Australia's prohibition on the importation of asbestos and goods containing asbestos. This notice repeals AND replaces previous advice under 2017/21. READ MORE 

The 2024 Federal Budget provided $32.1 million to the Australian Border Force to enforce the import prohibition. The Government will recommend proposed regulations to the Governor-General, in order to implement the prohibition prior to its commencement on 1 January 2025 READ MORE

Notices:

20.9.2024 : NZ Customs Release ... read more
19.9.2024 : Operation Kraken-Veron: Second South Australian man charged for alleged role in drug trafficking syndicate ... read more

TRADE

In this issue Austrade takes a look at;

• Trade deal with UAE

• New regulations for food exports to Indonesia

• ABARES report growing production value

READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 23rd September 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 23rd 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