Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade on behalf of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA)

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have provided a formal submission in response to the Inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia's foreign affairs, defence and trade. We look forward to an opportunity for further engagement with the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (the Committee) to escalate our advocacy for an effective supply chain.

SUMMARY

Drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have cost Australian jobs across all sectors from retail and manufacturing through to our regional communities and farmers. Compounding matters is the rapidly changing global trade environment combined with an estimated $300M+ in supply chain costs imposed by stevedores and a reduction in shipping line competition servicing our trade sector. This submission provides the Committee a forward looking agenda with a focus on two key areas requiring reform, being: a need for effective competition in international shipping; and other measures to reduce supply chain costs. Australia needs a paradigm shift in government priorities in favour of exporters, importers and logistics providers. It is the efficient movement of goods that will lead our economic recovery and generate national wealth. We look forward to government reforms respecting and prioritising these needs.

(click on the image below to view the complete submission)