While taking the opportunity to formally introduce the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), the meeting importantly provided an opportunity for the Commissioner to outline his initial observations since being sworn in on 10 November 2024 and opportunities to modernise operations; both from a community protection and trade facilitation perspective. We are also grateful for the commitment from the Commissioner to provide the foreword for our next edition of Across Borders (annual report).- READ MORE

Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) West Gate Tunnel Seminar

Sal Milici last week attended the CTAA West Gate Tunnel Seminar in Melbourne. It was a good opportunity to actively participate in topics such as, the Future use of the Melbourne Market site and the West Gate Tunnel Project.Sal also managed to catch up with Freight & Trade Alliance  (FTA) members Greg Barison and Shanon Gould to better understand how improved access may be offset by increased costs, and what that means for freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers.

FTA was delighted to be a Partner with SCLAA in celebrating 2025 International Women's Day nationally and thank all the FTA members that attended these impressive events.

This was an opportunity to share unique insights of being a female within this vibrant and fast paced industry. The consensus was that industry has come a long way in advancing both diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We thank the tenacity of those that forged the way as female role models and look forward to positive equality and opportunity for all continuing on their journeys.

Hosted by SCLAA 260 attendees enjoyed lunch at the NSW Parliament House which also celebrated International Women's Day.

Sal Milici, Freight & Trade Alliance (an event Partner) represented FTA at the recent IWD breakfast in Melbourne organised by the SCLAA. Big shout out to Tabitha West for expertly steering the panel conversation, and to the fabulous panellists Tina De Angelis, Katharina Zink Attana and My Therese Blank for sharing such honest, practical insights. Huge appreciation to Archival Garcia, Rakesh Bandipelli, and the whole SCLAA team for pulling off such a brilliant event — it's always fantastic to see our industry come together to celebrate, reflect, and push for real change.

Sal Milici, General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA |APSA recently had the privilege of chairing an expert panel at the 10th Retail Fulfilment Summit. It was a great opportunity to lead discussions on (1) Strategies for overcoming demand and supply chain disruptions and (2)  Visibility solutions in a volatile economy

Appreciated the insights from a fantastic panel:
? Julian Paynter- Austin Group
? ?Bron Einhorn - Workwear Group
? Darren O'Connor - Körber Supply Chain
? Brock Newell - Coles Group

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

FTA have launched our draft programs for the 2025-2026 CPD Border Compliance Program sessions with content delivered by an expert panel of presenters from across government and commerce. Please view the program and purchase your tickets via the links below. We recommend that you book now to receive the member early bird rate.

SYDNEY (Novotel Hotel - Brighton Beach, Brighton Le Sands)  
Friday 4 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (ONLY 8 SPOTS LEFT)
Saturday 5 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (ONLY 18 SPOTS LEFT)

MELBOURNE (Hyatt Place Essendon Fields)
9 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 9 April)
10 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 10 April)

PERTH (Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront) (member early bird rate closes 24 April)
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

BRISBANE (Brisbane Airport Conference Centre)
Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE  (member early bird rate closes 4 May)

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.

Join in the fun and mix with fellow colleagues and new ones - Dinner / Drinks and Entertainment till midnight. Please refer HERE  for more info

Tickets: $185.00 per person or $1850.00 per table of ten

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

LOGISTICS

Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) are again running their hugely popular and informative Port awareness workshop in Fremantle on Friday 28 March. These sessions have limited numbers and are booked out very early so register NOW - NB: FTA members get the CTAA member rate - READ MORE

Please be advised that a scheduled fire drill will take place at NQ Berths 1 & 2 on Tuesday, 19th March, between 09:00 and 11:00.
 
During this time, you may hear alarm noise and see personnel mustering inside the MSIC gate at Berths 1 & 2. There are no expected operational impacts from the drill. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we conduct this important safety exercise.

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

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

Automation is now an option for all ports - TT Talk 

Automation has been proven beyond doubt to improve port performance and enable cargo to be moved more safely, securely and sustainably. There are now more than 50 automated container terminals globally and big advances continue to be made in port automation technologies.

As such there is now a strong case for operators of the remaining 95% of the world's terminals which are not yet automated to consider becoming so. READ MORE

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

The Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a 11,200 hectare economic hub surrounding the Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport. More than 5,000 hectares are rezoned for employment purposes, set to accommodate almost 120,000 new jobs by 2061. 

The Sector Plan will play a key role in accelerating momentum in the Aerotropolis, ensuring infrastructure is delivered in the right place, at the right time, so that economic growth and job creation can be maximised.LOGIN REQUIRED

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) have received advice from Menzies Aviation regarding a revision to their International Terminal Service Fees (TSF), which will come into effect from 1 April 2025:  

Menzies Aviation -TSF Amendment
Menzies Aviation Terminal Service Fees - Australia 1 April 2025

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

Notices:
11.3.2025 : Latest Qantas Freight Information on ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred ... read more
7.3.2025 : Aerotropolis Sector Plan release ... login required

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE   to review the new DAFF Biosecurity Report

BORDER

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 11th March 2025

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 11th March 2025

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

Notices:
11.3.2025 : Anti-Dumping Commission Update Week Ending 7th March 2025 ... login required
10.3.2025 : WCO News magazine ... read more
5.3.2025 : ATIC - Export Update ... read more

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 

1.1.2025:  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