We trust you had a wonderful Christmas and we very much look forward to working with you again in 2026.
Over the festive season references were made to the Horse as the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and that 2026 has particular significance.
Further research states this is "The Year of the Fire Horse" which is expected to be a time of energy and transformation. It is associated with strong public confidence and potential economic growth, particularly in areas driven by innovation and technology. The Fire element adds a layer of dynamism, suggesting that this year may bring significant changes and breakthroughs.
ADVOCACY FOCUS FOR 2026
As highlighted in recent member updates, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) ended 2025 with significant support from the competition regulator and government officials. We see a tremendous opportunity to build on this momentum to achieve meaningful reforms in the year ahead.
MEDIA LEAD
A key strategy will be a continued and strengthened media presence to expand the reach of our message and influence positive outcomes - refer to our Media Page available HERE.
To that end, we are grateful to the authoritative international trade publication, Journal of Commerce, for its ongoing coverage of Australian trade matters.
JOURNAL OF COMMERCE
Their latest article, "Australian shippers call for end to ocean carrier anti-trust immunity", references an interview with the JOC Asia Special Correspondent, with a spotlight on the FTA / APSA invitation to submit to the Senate select committee investigating productivity in Australia's maritime and logistics sectors.
Importantly, the piece outlines our advocacy for measures that are essential to strengthen supply chain resilience and promote fair market practices - the full article is available HERE [PAYWALL PROTECTED]
An extract from the article states:
"The FTA and the Australian Peak Shippers Association [APSA] consider both the end of anti-trust immunity and the introduction of a mandatory port-related fees code central to improving productivity, resilience and competitiveness in Australia's freight supply chains," Zalai told the Journal of Commerce.
The interview also highlighted the FTA / APSA's views on:
Anti-trust protections: Current Australian laws allow foreign-owned shipping lines to exert disproportionate control over pricing and service levels, stifling competition, raising costs, and undermining supply chain resilience.
Landside fees: Terminal and container park operators should charge their direct shipping line customers, who can then decide whether to absorb fees or pass costs on to importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. Under current arrangements, stevedores and container parks impose incontestable landside fees directly on road and rail transport operators, bypassing normal commercial negotiation and distorting market dynamics.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE SENATE COMMITTEE
We look forward to continuing our work with members and stakeholders to advance these reforms and strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Australia's freight supply chains. Further details on how to contribute to the FTA/ASPA submission will be shared next week. In the meantime, we encourage members to review our invitation from the Senate Committee, available HERE
Paul Zalai - Director FTA / Secretariat APSA