In recognition of the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) advocacy for workforce reform, Paul Zalai and I were privileged to be invited to the Industry Skills Australia (ISA) Supply Chain Leaders' Summit at Parliament House on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
The Summit included the following influential speakers and panelists:
- Hon Catherine King MP - Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
- Christine Holgate - CEO, Team Global Express
- Ken Morrison - CEO, Bradfield City Authority
- Mark McKenzie – CEO, Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association
- Catherine Walsh – Chief People Officer, Qantas Group
- Videlina Georgieva – Managing Director, Svitzer Group
- Michael Kaine – National Secretary, Transport Workers' Union
- Natalie James – Secretary, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
FTA / APSA subsequently wrote to Hon Andrew Giles MP - Minister for Skills and Training referencing key outcomes from the Summit. While noting the well-publicised shortages of drivers and others in the supply chain sector, of equal importance is the shortage of those requiring specialised skills in export and import regulatory compliance.FTA and APSA stated concerns particularly surrounding the customs broker occupation, where a large portion of the current 1551 licensed customs brokers nationally is nearing retirement with 54.5% over the age of 50. Replacing existing experienced staff takes time with fewer available candidates as well as stringent training and licensing requirements associated with becoming a customs broker.
To the credit of the ISA, this has been recognised in the Transport and Logistics Industry 2024 Workforce Plan that references the fact that the freight forwarding, warehousing and customs brokerage sector is facing serious challenges in the recruitment and retention of quality staff.
Recommendations
To ensure the international logistics sector remains robust and equipped for future growth, FTA and APSA provided a recommendation to the Minister that the government allocate funding to implement workforce renewal initiatives including the following:
- National Awareness Campaign for Logistics Careers:
Like the government awareness campaigns for construction, Defence and hospitality & tourism, a sustained campaign is required highlighting the career opportunities associated with global trade and the importance of the sector to the Australian economy. A government-backed campaign would provide an opportunity to promote logistics to the public as a modern, high-tech, and vital industry with the aim of attracting a broader range of candidates to enter the sector. Through mainstream media, digital media, career events, partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders this campaign could reshape perceptions of the logistics sector showcasing diverse and impactful career opportunities.
- Subsidised Entry-Level Programs:
Allocation of finances for sustained government-funded traineeships and entry-level placements would make it more attractive for logistics firms to engage and train new entrants.
- Educational Scholarships, Internships and Partnerships:
Scholarships aimed at students in logistics, trade, and supply chain courses, alongside partnerships with universities and technical colleges, would attract talent early in their academic careers.
- Youth Engagement and Industry Connection Programs:
Programs that provide high school and university students with industry exposure, such as job shadowing, mentorship, and apprenticeship programs, would introduce them to logistics as an attractive career option.
As a part of our broader approach in addressing the skills shortage for our vital sector of Australian commerce, FTA and APSA look forward to further engagement with the Minister, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and ISA on progressing these essential initiatives.
Caroline Zalai – Director FTA / Secretariat APSA