FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2025/31 - sponsored by ANA
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2025/31
i
JOIN THE ALLIANCE
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
ANA Cargo supported by
Menzies Aviation
FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY
FTA / APSA Advocacy Update - Engagement on Trade Facilitation, Agriculture & Economic Productivity Reform
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) will be on the ground this month, representing members at two key in-person ministerial roundtables shaping the future of trade, border policy, and agricultural productivity.
On 12 August in Brisbane, FTA/APSA will join the
Unlocking Productivity in Australian Agriculture
roundtable
hosted by Minister Julie Collins. This will be followed by the
Trade and Travel
roundtable
on 14 August in Sydney, led by ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds AO and Home Affairs Secretary Stephanie Foster PSM.
These high-level engagements build on recent advocacy, including discussions with Treasury and Austrade on port charges and shipping competition, and FTA/APSA's participation in the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) in Canberra.
Insights gathered will inform FTA/APSA's contribution to the landmark
Economic Reform Roundtable
hosted by Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP from 19–21 August 2025 — a pivotal national forum focused on boosting productivity, enhancing economic resilience, and strengthening budget sustainability.
READ MORE
Australian Cyber Security Strategy Phase 2:
Charting New Horizons: Developing Horizon 2 of Australia's Cyber Security Strategy - Public Consultation & Town Halls
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been advised by the Department of Home Affairs that
public consultation
has commenced on the development of
Horizon 2
of the
2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy
.
The discussion paper, titled
"
Charting New Horizons: Developing Horizon 2 of Australia's Cyber Security Strategy
,"
outlines proposed policy outcomes and key reform areas to continue Australia's ambition to be a world leader in cyber security.
FTA/APSA will be lodging a submission and are calling for member input to help shape our response
.
READ MORE
FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT
Amanda Bradfield, Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA/APSA
recently attended an event hosted by
John Ward
and the team at
AWH Pty Ltd
at The Windsor Hotel in South Perth.
The afternoon provided a valuable opportunity for meaningful conversation, genuine connections, and one-on-one engagement in a warm and welcoming setting.
It was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces, including
Sherie Le Brun
of
Direct Couriers
, (pictured), and to build new relationships across the industry.
Tom Jensen, General Manager – Freight Policy & Operations at FTA/APSA,
recently met with
Maryann Farrugia
, Co-Founder & MD of
Offshore Business Processing
(OBP) and CEO of
Vixen Internet Solutions
, to gain insight into her leadership across both businesses.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to discuss OBP's business process outsourcing services supporting freight, logistics, legal, accounting, and IT sectors — and to explore how Vixen delivers smart, tailored digital solutions.
It also highlighted the scale and sophistication of both operations, driven by Maryann's strategic leadership and deep industry insight. Her ability to combine global reach with commercial focus continues to make an impact across logistics and tech.
FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA
A full list of our extensive ongoing media coverage is available
HERE
Notices:
30.7.2025 : DCN - Industry ball shows true care factor -
read more
2025 Care-Factor Industry Charity Trade Ball
Click
HERE
to view video montage and photo gallery.
Thank you to everyone who attended and a big thank you to our platinum event sponsor
BluePrint Global
and bronze sponsors -
Direct Couriers
,
Logihire
,
Wisetech Global
and
Stone Freight Solutions
and Media sponsors
Daily Cargo News
and
ImportExportTV
for your support. Thank you to
Direct Couriers
and
Price & Speed
for their support.
FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date!
2026 Australia & New Zealand - Shipping & Logistics Conference
FTA, APSA and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) have announced the inaugural
Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference
, to be held in
Sydney
on
27–28 August 2026
, with the
Port of Newcastle
as Platinum Sponsor.
This new annual event will alternate between both countries and spotlight regional supply chain collaboration, trade resilience, and innovation.
Save the date and make plans to join us in Sydney on
27–28 August 2026
— it's one you won't want to miss!
READ MORE
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Charting Queensland's Future: Port of Brisbane Unveils Vision 2060
Wednesday 6 August
1200 - 1245 AEST
REGISTER HERE
2025-2026 FTA ONLINE CPD & CBC TRAINING PACKAGES
6 August 2025 :
WEBINAR - Charting Queensland's Future: Port of Brisbane Unveils Vision 2060
19 August 2025 :
APSA 35th Annual General Meeting
5 September 2025 :
International Trade and Trade Finance in the Digital Economy Conference
25 September 2025 :
2025 Senior & Retired Customs Brokers Luncheon
20 November 2025 :
2025 FTA VIC Christmas Networking Function
27 November 2025 :
2025 FTA NSW Christmas Networking Function
3 December 2025 :
2025 FTA WA Christmas Networking Function
4 December 2025 :
2025 FTA QLD Christmas Networking Function
2 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA WA CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 2 May 2026
8 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Friday 8 May 2026
9 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Saturday 9 May 2026
15 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Friday 15 May 2026
16 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 16 May 202
6
27 May 2026 :
2026/27 FTA QLD CPD Border Compliance Program - Wednesday 27 May 2026
27 August 2026 :
Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference
FTA / APSA - TRAINING
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. New content is now ready for your completion.
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.
Employees of members who
do not require CPD points or a formal certificate/attainment statement
can access webinar/seminar recordings on our main website
HERE
(corporate member password protected).
Please email Caroline at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.
Notices:
23 July 2025 : 2026/27 CPD- Early Bird Registration- Now Open! -
read more
LOGISTICS
Fremantle Ports Inner Harbour Berth Maintenance
Critical maintenance works will occur at
Common User Berth 11
, scheduled from
20 August to 3 September 2025
. These works are necessary to ensure the ongoing safety and operational efficiency of the port.
Berth 11 Shutdown - Key information:
Shutdown period
: 20 August – 3 September 2025.
Scope of Critical Works at Berth 11:
Works include deck repairs, bollard and pile refurbishments, and sheet pile wall inspections.
Berthing availability
: During this period, only vessels up to 200m LOA can be accommodated at Berth 12.
As the maintenance progresses east to west, there may be scope for larger vessels to berth.
Ro-Ro vessels under 237m LOA may be considered in the mid-stages of the works.
Ro-Ro vessels under 265m LOA may be considered toward the later stages, as the work area reduces further.
A diagram is
attached
outlining the Berth 11 maintenance schedule and expected berthing capacity during the shutdown.
ACROSS BORDERS
We would like to extend our thanks to
Victoria International Container Terminal
for their article in the recent Across Borders Annual Review 2025.
"
At the core of our innovation lie fully automated world-class technologies that offer seamless end-to-end operations. From the moment a vessel docks to the container's departure from our gate, every step is fully automated.
"
READ MORE
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
Notices:
6.8.2025 : DP World (Brisbane) - Terminal Open as Normal for Show Day Public Holiday - Wed 13th August -
read more
5.8.2025 : DP World Brisbane - Terminal IT Outage 7th August 2025 -
read more
1.8.2025 : Fremantle Ports - Adverse weather preparations 1 August to 4th August -
read more
31.7.2025 : FTA / APSA Shipping Report 2025, Edition 17 - Sponsored by Port of Brisbane -
read more
31.7.2025 : Launch of the 2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND - SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE - Working Together to Strengthen & Secure Global Supply Chains -
read more
30.7.2025 : Melbourne Container Park to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure Through New Partnership with OneStop -
read more
30.7.2025 : Australian Cyber Security Strategy Phase 2: Charting New Horizons: Developing Horizon 2 of Australia's Cyber Security Strategy - Public Consultation & Town Halls -
read more
SEAFREIGHT
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General visits Australia
Australia has hosted International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez as the first stop on his Pacific tour. High-level meetings with Ministers Catherine King and Chris Bowen focused on maritime safety, decarbonisation, and workforce development. The visit also highlighted regional collaboration and the IMO's new Regional Presence Office in Fiji.
READ MORE
(credit: DCN)
Part X Competition & Consumer Act
The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) is the designated peak shipper body granted status by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport under Part X of the Consumer & Competition Act to represent the interests of Australian shippers generally in relation to liner cargo shipping services. The following notice has been received and is available to members' reference.
4 August 2025 :
Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event – for the Vessel Sharing Agreement for the Europe / Indian Ocean / Australia / New Zealand Service inwards and outwards service
Notices:
5.8.2025 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update -
read more
4.8.2025 : DCN - International Maritime Organization Secretary-General visits Australia -
read more
AIRFREIGHT
IATA: Air cargo "barely showed growth" in June
IATA has reported that global air cargo demand rose just 0.8% year-on-year in June, with volumes largely stagnating under the weight of shifting trade flows and widespread uncertainty caused by US-imposed tariffs. While Asia-Pacific carriers surged 9%, North American traffic slumped by 8.3%, and overall capacity declined month-on-month.
With frontloaded shipments earlier in the year and mounting geopolitical pressures, IATA has warned of a potential deeper slowdown ahead, calling for greater trade stability and streamlined digital processes.
READ MORE
(credit: aircargo news)
Qantas Freight Operations
Please refer the
Qantas Freight site
for updates on operational matters.
Notices:
5.8.2025 : Qantas Freight - Temporary Restrictions on Outbound Unknown Cargo Shipments from the Americas -
read more
BIOSECURITY
Please click
HERE
to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report - sponsored by
WiseTech Academy
BORDER
Notices:
4.8.2025 : ABF - Reminder Home Affairs Gatekeeper Certificate Replacement -
read more
1.8.2025 : ABF - Cargo Status API – ACN 2025/20 -
read more
1.8.2025 : NZ Customs Release -
read more
31.7.2025 : ABF - ACN 2025/19 Indexation of customs duty rates on excise-equivalent goods on 4 August 2025 -
read more
30.7.2025 : ABF - Issue affecting outbound ICS production EDI messaging - Resolved -
read more
30.7.2025 : ABF TC Gazette 25/29 -
read more
30.7.2025 : ABF - Costa Rican arrests linked to AFP investigation into international criminal syndicate -
read more
30.7.2025 : ABF - ICS Messaging Issues Update -
read more
30.7.2025 : ABF - ICS Messaging Issues -
read more
TRADE
DFAT - Latest on US tariffs
The US has announced further tariff changes, including modifications to country-specific rates effective 7 August 2025 and removal of the de minimis exemption from 29 August 2025, meaning all low-value imports (under USD 800) will now attract tariffs. These follow earlier increases on Australian steel, aluminium, and copper. Exporters are urged to stay updated and seek advice on how these changes may impact their shipments.
READ MORE
.
US to Suspend De Minimis Tariff Exemption from 29 August
US President Trump has signed an executive order suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for all low-value imports into the US, effective 29 August 2025. All goods under USD 800 will now be subject to country-specific duties, with stricter rules for postal and courier shipments.
Trump claims the move aims to close loopholes exploited for tariff evasion and illicit trade, particularly in fentanyl and counterfeit goods..
READ MORE
Trade Data Updates Week Ending 5th August 2025
National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources
LOGIN REQUIRED
Notices:
5.8.2025 : Fremantle Ports Inner Harbour Trade & Supply Chain Statistics June 2025 -
read more
5.8.2025 : Fremantle Ports Outer Harbour Kwinana Statistics June 2025 -
read more
31.7.2025 : FTA / APSA Shipping Report 2025, Edition 17 - Sponsored by Port of Brisbane -
read more
Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 5th August 2025
FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
LOGIN REQUIRED
Notices:
5.8.2025 : Anti-Dumping Notice 31st July 2025 -
read more
30.7.2025 : Anti-Dumping Notice 30th July 2025 -
read more
2025 SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY SEMESTER 2
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT & INTERNSHIPS - NOW OPEN
We encourage members to consider engaging with new talent via Swinburne University's 2025 Semester 2 Professional Placement & Student Internship Program which is now open for placements. This initiative is available to organisations with
Victorian operations only
.
Swinburne students from across all discipline areas can take part in this initiative, from Supply Chain and Logistics students to Finance, Marketing and HR. Please refer
HERE
for further details on this exciting initiative.
Applications are open and students must start by the week commencing 4 August 2025 so make sure to act soon if you are interested!
Interested in learning more? Please get in touch with
Zoe Shew at Swinburne directly on
zshew@swin.edu.au
if you would like to explore taking on a student.
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
31.7.2025:
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
Member Communications
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
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