FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Lucy Robinson (Head of Border, Biosecurity & Logistics) and Sal Milici (General Manager Trade Policy & Operations) recently met with the Inspector-General of Biosecurity and review team, where the IGB outlined recent engagement with DAFF document assessment areas to better understand current operational processes, system interactions and regulatory settings. The IGB also expressed a strong interest in meeting directly Following that engagement, FTA coordinated industry consultation sessions this week involving both C.H. Robinson and Gavos Freight Solutions.

Feedback from both sessions was extremely positive, with the IGB noting the practical walkthroughs and operational examples provided valuable insights that will assist in informing the review processImportantly, the IGB has now launched the formal "Have Your Say" consultation process for the review.

FTA strongly encourages members to participate and provide practical operational feedback directly to the IGB.

The consultation closes on 22 May 2026.

Further information - IGB Review – Documentation Requirements for Biosecurity Assessment

Members can provide feedback directly- Have Your Say – IGB Consultatio

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

As always we extend our thanks to the sponsors and speakers for providing insight into their respective topics. Great to see Paul and Caroline Zalai out with the members, and being well supported by Jade Pearce - Head of Training & Events. Looking forward to seeing all our Victorian members this coming Friday and Saturday.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - SAL adds member, FTA adds executive

"With more than 20 years' experience delivering conferences, events, training programs and digital engagement initiatives across Australia, Jade brings a strong blend of strategic leadership, operational expertise and member-focused delivery," FTA director Paul Zalai said.

Understanding the Australia–EU FTA: What Customs Brokers and Forwarders Need to Know

Join us for a webinar presented by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), providing a practical overview of the goods market access outcomes under AEUFTA — including tariff elimination, tariff rate quotas and what these changes mean in real terms for trade with the European Union.

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Join us as we break down the latest FTA/APSA Shipping Report - May 2026

Australian Sanctions Laws – Compliance, Risk and Resilience

Join us for an exclusive webinar presented by the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO), providing a practical overview of Australia's sanctions framework and its direct impact on customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers operating at the frontline of international trade.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

Notices:

LOGISTICS

In the May issue of the Navigate newsletter we look at 

• Anketell Road upgrades

• Marine and Ports Infrastructure

• Collaboration the way to address WA's infrastructure peak

• Westport completes Detailed Site Investigations Westport has completed Detailed Site
  READ MORE

FTA / APSA have received advice from OneStop re the following closures - I.T. Outage or Stop for Safety meetings at DP World facilities

• DPW Container Park Melb - 1300 thru 1400 14 May

• DPW Container Park SYD - 1300 thru 1330 14 May

• DPW Container Park SYD -  2100 thru 2130 14 May

• DPW Terminal BNE - 0600 thru 0800 14 May

Join us for the Aviation Careers at WSI Information Sessions on 22 and 23 May 2026 and
discover the wide range of career pathways available across airport operations, airlines, border services, cargo, retail and more. 
 

• Friday, 22 May sessions are designed for school groups, and 

• Saturday, 23 May sessions are open to community groups and the broader public. 

 
Meet airport partners, hear directly from employers and training providers, and learn
how to stay connected with future job opportunities at WSI. 
Places are limited and registration is essential. 

Visit the website to view full event details and register your spot today. 

State and federal governments announce fuel security plans

STATE and federal governments have announced a raft of new fuel and fertiliser security measures.

Today, 6 May, the West Australian state government announced it has secured an extra eight million litres of diesel for WA's strategic stockpile, bringing the state-controlled backup supply to 20 million litres.

The WA announcement follows on from Queensland announcing its fuel security plan on Monday.

The federal government also announced today that the Federal Budget next week will include an Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package that it said will ensure energy sovereignty and protect the nation's energy interests.

. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Partnership to cut freight vehicle reliance on fuel

HELPING reduce reliance upon fossil fuels is a focus of the Victorian government in signing a global memorandum of understanding (MoU) on transitioning to zero-emission freight vehicles. Under the MoU, signatories are working towards 100% zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, with an interim target of 30% of new sales being zero-emission by 2030.

This includes a national plan for high-capacity freight charging and supporting the Sydney to Melbourne Hume Zero corridor.

Ports and freight minister Melissa Horne said freight demand would more than double by 2050. "We must act now by shifting to rail and backing cleaner transport," she said
. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Aurizon back Feds' rail freight money

THE RAIL freight package offered by the federal government as a sweetener to its announcement of the truncation of Inland Rail has been welcomed by Aurizon.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King today [6 May] announced a further $1.75 billion investment to improve the productivity, resilience and reliability of Australia's freight rail network, alongside a $55 million incentive scheme to get more freight moving by rail and sea.  improve Australia's freight rail network. READ MORE (story credit DCN )

SA Government moves to stockpile diesel to support freight and farms

The South Australian government has hit the bowser in a big way, pumping 10 million litres of diesel into an existing IOR storage facility at Port Bonython in the Upper Spencer Gulf and securing access to another 10 million if required. In a deal with bulk fuel supplier IOR the State Government has rented the storage space and access to a diesel fuel supply designed to complement the broader fuel market using increased supply out of Singapore.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas says the reserves will help to build confidence for South Australia's primary producers in particular. READ MORE ( story credit ATN magazine)

John Duigan cracks a thousand

BIL owner TasPorts said the service underpins the island's economy and way of life, having carried, over almost a decade, over 480,000 tonnes of product, more than 25,000 head of cattle, and 3,000 vehicles. It has served as the major carrier of liquid fuels for homes and businesses, and supported major infrastructure projects and community health initiatives. READ MORE  (story credit DCN)

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

China rates climb slows

FREIGHT rates on Australia's premier trade route from China have slowed their recent rapid rise but are continuing to climb just the same.

The SCFI (mean spot rate) for Shanghai-Sydney for Week 20 stands at USD 2,412/FEU, up 3% on the previous week which, however, had jumped 9% over Week 18. The rates have been marching steadily since Week 13, when the level was just USD 1,242/FEU.
READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel take their first joint step towards sustainable ocean shipping

Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel are further strengthening their long-standing partnership and, for the first time, collaborating on emission-reduced ocean transport solutions. As part of this agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will utilize Hapag-Lloyd's "Ship Green" product to reduce the carbon footprint of its ocean freight shipments. READ MORE

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

China's e-commerce air exports declined in March

E-commerce air trade volumes out of China, which have turbocharged air cargo demand in recent years, declined in March for the first time in a number of years. Analysis carried out by consultant and data provider Aevean shows that in March, e-commerce volumes from China declined by 6% year on year.

Aevean managing director Marco Bloemen pointed out that this is the first year-on-year decline since June 2023. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo news)

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

BIOSECURITY

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

Notices:

TRADE

Strait of Hormuz remains concern for Australian fertiliser importers

THE Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern for global nitrogen markets with reports about 20 fully loaded urea vessels destined for Australia remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, the Australian Fertilizer Corporation says.The AFC says this represents an estimated combined cargo volume of up to 600,000 tonnes.

"Affordability is now becoming one of the defining forces in global fertiliser markets," said AFC chief executive Stein Haugan. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

In this issue we look at;

• Support for exporters navigating supply chain disruptions

• Expert insights on the Middle East supply chain

• Understanding Indonesia's SNI certification

• Export guides and resources

• READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 12th May 2026

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 12th May 2026

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

BORDER

Austal to build two more patrol boats for Border Force

WEST Australian-based shipbuilder, Austal, has landed an order for two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The contract extension, valued at around $150.3 million, takes the number of ABF patrol boats built by Austal to six.

An Austal media release said the award follows the recent delivery of the tenth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat to the Royal Australian Navy, ADV Cape Hawke, in March 2026.
READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Sydney man charged over attempted 300kg methamphetamine importation from Canada

A Kellyville man is scheduled to appear before Penrith Local Court today (8 May, 2026) after a multi-national police operation saw 300kg of methamphetamine hidden inside pressure washers seized by Canadian authorities.

An AFP investigation began in early October, 2025, after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in British Columbia detected 300kg of methamphetamine hidden inside 36 cardboard boxes. The consignment, labelled as pressure washers, was destined for north-west Sydney.
READ MORE (story credit AFP Newsroom)

Notices:

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