This session has been arranged to bring you the latest developments on IFAM, including the latest budget funding announced last week, and to facilitate discussion.

Date and time: 
Monday 19 October  2020 | 09:00am to 10:00am A.E.D.T 
(access to the WebEx webinar will be available from 8:55am, and the session will begin at 09:00am)
6:00am WST (access to the WebEx webinar will be available from 5:55am and the session will begin at 6:00am)- Apologies for the very early start time.

Webex – Please note registration is required to attend this event – once registered you will receive login details
 
You will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar using the chat function available in the WebEx platform.

Speakers

Join Mr Michael Byrne, International Freight Co-ordinator General and Air Vice Marshal Marg Staib, Australian Government Freight Controller who together will provide:

• an update on IFAM's recent extension, export and import successes to date;
• a sharp focus on challenges to address upcoming seasonal export needs;
• the need for exporters to adjust operations to maintain profitability.

Background

As you may be aware, on 6 October the Australian Government announced it is committing an additional $317.1million in funding for IFAM. With $95 million to directly address upcoming seasonal demand and $222.1 million to extend IFAM to the middle of 2021, the funding injection will help keep international supply chains open.

IFAM assists businesses to supply established international customers, supports export-generated jobs, and provides support for Australia to import items of national importance like critical medicines. 

This funding is in addition to the $241.9 million announced in July and $110 million announced in April to establish IFAM under the $1?billion Relief and Recovery Fund, which supports regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

IFAM continues to be a targeted, temporary emergency measure and businesses need to use the next six months to adjust to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international air transport. This includes developing, where possible, alternative transport pathways, packaging, product and distribution options which take into account enduring higher airfreight costs. 

For more information visit the IFAM webpage.

Sal Milici - Head of Border and Biosecurity - FTA / APSA

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