DCN - Fears election A "Missed Opportunity" for AUS Maritime

Freight and Trade Alliance general manager trade policy and operations, Sal Milici, said there were "several critical issues that should be front and centre in any election campaign", highlighting Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act that regulates international shipping.

Part X aims to ensure exporters (and to a lesser extent, importers) have continued access to outwards liner cargo shipping services with internationally competitive freight rates.

Mr Milici said Part X needed to change and that it "no longer reflects the realities of contemporary global shipping or the interests of Australian importers and exporters".

Mr Milici also raised the long-standing issue of terminal access changes and empty container notification fees, calling for a mandatory code or regulatory intervention.

"There are also long-term structural challenges, including an ageing customs broker workforce and outdated IT platforms used by key regulators," he said.

"These issues demand coordinated investment and policy leadership to ensure Australia remains globally competitive."

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