FTA / APSA SUBMISSION - Simplified Trade System (STS)

In response to the Simplified Trade System (STS) consultation paper, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members indicated sophisticated systems and processes are available to adequately interface with other supply chain and regulatory bodies. Having stated that, opportunities certainly exist to further improve the operating environment faced by the international trade sector.

Limiting the scope of the FTA/APSA submission, the STS engagement to date has not provided detailed boundaries of the reforms, nor the Federal Government's needs in terms of limitations (lifespan) of existing systems. 

Instead, focussed STS engagement to date has largely been limited to Streamlining the Cargo Intervention Model.

Accordingly, the preliminary FTA / APSA submission (REFER ATTACHED) focusses on this element of reform in detail within the 'import' section. This submission also includes preliminary views on 'exports' and 'generic issues' outlining opportunities for early reform deliverables.

FTA /APSA see merit in the Federal Government's commitment of an additional $137.7 million over four years, contained in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (released December 2021), to revamp Australia's trade systems.
 
To that end, FTA / APSA look forward to ongoing engagement with the STS Implementation Taskforce to deliver practical changes to help businesses as we emerge from the pandemic and to stimulate an economic recovery.

Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF