FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

pictured L to R - Graeme Gordon (Bullocks), Rob Di Carlo (Westpac) Anthony Paratore, Graham Bullock, Wendy Cullen (Bullocks) and  Paul Dwyer ( Westpac)

The visit provided valuable insights into how automation, technology, and precision come together to keep trade moving efficiently through the Port of Melbourne. A big thank you to the VICT team for their time and hospitality, it was a fascinating look behind the scenes and a great opportunity for our FTA members to deepen their understanding of the supply chain in action.

(pictured L to R - Paul Pitsillou – Australian Vinyl | Sal Milici | Mervet Habib – Australian Vinyl | Olga Coelho Heubert – VICT | Amanda Bradfield | Nick Grunbaum – Bunnings (rear)| Darren Beattie – Target / Kmart | Jon Martin – Wesfarmers)

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Notices:

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

Game Changers in Global Trade
Hear from WiseTech Global CEO Zubin Appoo

In this webinar, we will provide an introduction to WiseTech Global's CEO, Zubin Appoo who will discuss:

•  CargoWise AI – a powerful game changer for CargoWise customers and the industry 

•  CargoWise Value Pack – how it will drive significant productivity and efficiencies into the industry

•  WiseTech + e2open – building a multi-sided marketplace that benefits the whole supply chain

Westport Update for FTA and CTAA Members

Westport invites FTA / CTAA members to Patrick Seares, Westport's Managing Director, for an update on the future of Western Australia's container port and what it means for the freight and container transport sector.

2025 Industry Awards Nights - Recognising Excellence 

DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards - Thursday 20 November, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - Tickets HERE

ASCLA Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 14 November, Melbourne Town Hall - Tickets HERE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

MANDATORY ABF CPD MODULE
 
FTA has received confirmation from the Australian Border Force that the Mandatory ABF Module for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2026 will be scheduled in January 2026 and will need to be completed by 31 March 2026. The Department will publish an ACN closer to the date with further details.

Notices:

LOGISTICS

AUTHORISED MUA YARD MEETING AT DP WORLD PORT BOTANY 

Strengthening transparency and accountability in pricing practices

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is pleased to announce the publication of the Voluntary Pricing Protocol (VPP) for Empty Container Park (ECP) operators. The Voluntary Pricing Protocol is Victoria's commitment to ensuring fair and transparent pricing at the Port of Melbourne. The VPP sets clear expectations for how ECP operators disclose, notify and implement changes to landside pricing.

Half of the 16 ECP facilities have indicated support, either in part or in full, for VPP and intend to adopt its guidelines for price changes effective 1 January 2026. As outlined in the VPP, the initial 60-day notices for these price changes are expected to be issued on or around 1 November 2025. READ MORE

WA's $91m clinker circuit lays the groundwork for growth

This edition of TT Talk focuses first on the recent IMO container inspection results. 

Recently, Seven IMO member countries submitted data on nearly 77,700 container inspections, up 50% from 2022, despite the number of reporting countries remaining the same - 11.39% of containers had safety-related deficiencies.

We look at the importance of proactive inspections, better training and wider adoption of the CTU Code to improve safety and efficiency across the supply chain. READ MORE

Westport Community Update -  October 2025

One of the most frequent questions asked is: "When will the new port be built?" The short answer is the late 2030s, when Fremantle Port is expected to reach capacity. The next few years will be spent on project definition, which includes design optimisation, site investigations, development of construction strategies, land assembly, and progressing environmental and heritage approvals. READ MORE

The inaugural lunch was held last year at the Windsor Hotel in South Perth where 45 ladies took part. This year's Women in Logistics Luncheon is being held at the Windsor Hotel on Friday, 7 November from noon. Cost is $80 per ticket - purchase tickets by emailing Kelly Thomas

Kelly Crossley - Director at Transitainer WA who organises the event said  "Our goal is to create meaningful connections between women working in freight forwarding, customs, shipping, transport, and the broader supply chain, and encourage open conversations about career journeys, leadership, and challenges in our field." READ MORE (story and picture credit DCN)

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:

SEA FREIGHT

Fremantle Ports Sustainability Approach supports their 2027 Strategic Plan, underlining commitment to environmental stewardship, social and economic responsibility, and good governance. The focus moving forward is to further integrate their approach with their strategic plan so that material topics and sustainability initiatives are concurrently reviewed within their overall strategic program. READ MORE

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

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

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report - sponsored by Fume West

BORDER

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 14th October 2025

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

In this update Austrade look at;

• Australia's first free trade agreement with the Middle East enters into force

• Mackay gets leading biomanufacturing hub

• Less red tape for Australian producers of organic beverages to Japan
  READ MORE

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 14th October 2025

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

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 

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