2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Austrade Seeks FTA Members Feedback on Simplified Trade System Pain Points

Following our recent meeting with Austrade, FTA is sharing an important industry survey now underway as part of the Government's ongoing work on the Simplified Trade System (STS). Austrade, together with border and regulatory agencies, is seeking FTA member feedback on how businesses are experiencing Australia's cross-border trade system — especially in relation to the six key 'pain points' previously identified through the STS Taskforce.

These pain points include:

1. Opaque and inconsistent processes – businesses face variable communication response times and uncertainty when seeking support to navigate the supply chain.
2. Hard to access information – navigating multiple information sources can be confusing, time consuming and costly.
3. Complex regulations – navigating complex regulations is challenging and costly.
4. Inflexible technologies – businesses experience inflexible, difficult to use technology experiences across multiple agencies.
5. Duplicative processes – businesses need to enter information multiple times and complete manual documentation.
6. Border delays – impacting the ability of businesses to plan their operations and predict the arrival of their goods.

The Government is now looking to understand how these issues have evolved over the past five years, with industry insights helping shape future reforms to streamline and modernise the trade environment.
FTA encourages all members to complete the survey and ensure industry views are heard.
The questionnaire takes around 10 minutes, can be completed anonymously, and closes Friday, 5 December 2025.

Complete the survey here:

For further queries, Austrade can be contacted via Ramesh Murthy – ramesh.murthy@austrade.gov.au, with interview requests directed to Ria Nerlikar – ria.nerlikar@nousgroup.com.

FTA will continue to work closely with Austrade and partner agencies to ensure member feedback directly informs improvements across Australia's trade, border and regulatory systems.

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

2025-2026 FTA ONLINE CPD & CBC TRAINING PACKAGES

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 to go live on 1 January 2026. The Department will publish an ACN shortly with further details.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

MeshedUp
 From Carrier to CargoWise in Seconds - Take Control of Your Rates

Discover how Meshed Up's docMesh platform automates the import and management of carrier buy rates directly into CargoWise — reducing manual effort, improving accuracy, and helping forwarders take control of their rate data.

Capital Trade Credit Solutions
Protecting Cash Flow in a Changing Trade Landscape

In this webinar, Jamie Draper and Jordan Penny of Capital Trade Credit Solutions will unpack how trade credit insurance can protect your business from bad debts, sharpen premiums, and give you the insights you need to trade with confidence.

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LOGISTICS

Macquarie move on Qube signals major shift in freight landscape

Qube Holdings has confirmed it is backing a takeover proposal from Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), valuing the logistics giant at around $11.6 billion.
Under the indicative, non-binding offer announced on Monday, 23 November 2025, MAM would acquire all Qube shares for $5.20 cash per share via a scheme of arrangement. The offer represents a significant premium on Qube's recent trading levels.
The bid follows an earlier, lower unsolicited approach and was improved after limited due diligence access. Any dividends declared before completion will reduce the final offer price.
Qube has granted Macquarie exclusive due diligence until 1 February 2026, with the board signalling it intends to unanimously recommend the deal — provided no superior offer emerges and an independent expert deems the transaction in shareholders' best interests.
Chairman John Bevan said the proposal reflects the strength of Qube's operations, assets and culture. However, the company emphasised there is no guarantee the offer will progress to a binding agreement. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

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

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SEA FREIGHT

Maersk Signals Partial Return to the Red Sea as Conditions Improve

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AIR FREIGHT

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

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BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by WiseTech Academy

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

TRADE

Anti-Dumping Commission Releases New Statement of Intent

The Anti-Dumping Commission has published its latest Statement of Intent, outlining how it will meet the Government's expectations and strengthen Australia's trade remedies system. The update highlights a stronger focus on timely investigations, better support for SMEs, enhanced monitoring of global trade risks, and the upcoming transfer of safeguard functions to the Commission. READ MORE
 

Trade Credit Exposure: FTA Seeks Member Input

Strong member feedback on our push for direct importer EFT payments into the ICS has highlighted a wider issue — growing trade credit exposure as cashflow tightens and insolvencies rise.
FTA is exploring a group trade credit insurance program with Capital Trade Credit Solutions to deliver better coverage and lower premiums for members.
Tell us what you think by completing this short survey:

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Trade Data Updates Week Ending 25th November 2025

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 25th November 2025

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

BORDER

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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

Training, Finance & Events Enquiries
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send training, finance, events and general administration enquiries to Training@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