As outlined in the foreword to our annual report 'Across Borders', Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) extended congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Ministry on their re-election at the May 2025 Federal Election.
The new government term presents an opportunity to reinforce Australia's strategic alliances while diversifying export markets in response to rising tariffs and global trade volatility. Against this international backdrop, FTA and APSA remain focused on driving meaningful regulatory reform across Australia's domestic supply chains.
SHIPPING & PORT COSTS
On 20 June 2025, FTA / APSA wrote to the Treasurer, the Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers MP, formally thanking the Federal Government for its response to our 2025–26 Pre-Budget Submission—notably, through the facilitation of a highly productive meeting on 13 June 2025 involving senior representatives from Austrade and Treasury.
This valuable forum enabled the exchange of detailed insights on two critical areas requiring regulatory reform:
- The repeal of Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA)
- The introduction of a mandatory code to regulate port-related fees
Correspondence is available HERE [FTA/APSA MEMBER LOGIN REQUIRED]
BORDER & BIOSECURITY
In parallel, over recent weeks, FTA / APSA representatives have actively participated in a series of bi-lateral and formal engagements hosted by the Australian Border Force, culminating in a specially convened National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) meeting held in Canberra on 30 July 2025.
Key themes discussed at the NCTF included:- Removing low-revenue nuisance tariffs to reduce business costs
- Incentivising trusted traders, with a focus on targeted growth of the Australian Trusted Trader program
- Disrupting illegitimate trade through earlier risk detection and intervention
- Modernising the Integrated Cargo System (ICS)
- Improving clearance speed and efficiency at seaports and airports
An official communique is available HERE
FTA / APSA sees merit in Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry reform priorities with a focus on achieving genuine productivity gains through:- Regulatory simplification and removal of duplication
- Trusted data exchange and modernised compliance tools
- Transparent and accountable government decision-making
- A competitive, skilled, and resilient logistics ecosystem to support Australian agriculture
In a formal response, FTA / APSA also emphasised that cost recovery must be proportionate and aligned to risk, ensuring fair and efficient outcomes for industry.
This work will directly inform FTA / APSA's in-person participation in two upcoming events:- 12 August 2025 – Brisbane
Roundtable: Unlocking Productivity in Australian Agriculture (to be hosted the invitation of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, The Hon. Julie Collins MP) - 14 August 2025 – Sydney
Roundtable: Trade and Travel (to be hosted by the ABF Commissioner, Gavan Reynolds AO and the Department of Home Affairs Secretary, Stephanie Foster PSM)
NEXT STEPS
These engagements will feed into the landmark Economic Reform Roundtable, hosted by Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP from 19–21 August 2025 in Canberra. This significant national forum will bring together business leaders, unions, civil society, government, and subject matter experts to build consensus on:- Boosting productivity
- Enhancing economic resilience
- Strengthening budget sustainability
FTA / APSA will continue to keep members regularly updated on the outcomes of these engagements and broader reform initiatives.
Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA