The Federal Government on 7 September 2023 released the Aviation Green Paper, representing an early stage in the development of the Aviation White Paper, which is set to establish the policy direction for Australia's aviation sector through to 2050. Through the Aviation Green Paper, the Government sought feedback on aviation matters including: airlines, airports and passengers – competition, consumer protections and disability access settings regional and remote aviation services maximising aviation's contribution to net zero airport development planning process and consultation mechanisms general aviation fit-for-purpose agencies and regulations emerging aviation technologies future industry workforce international aviation On Thursday 30 November 2023, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) incorporated extensive member feedback in preparing a detailed submission calling for collaborative efforts among government bodies, industry stakeholders, and the community in achieving goals of a more sustainable and innovative future for the Australian aviation sector toward 2050.  The submission providing the below twenty-one (21) key recommendations. FURTHER DETAIL FORMAL SUBMISSION   SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS   RECOMMENDATION 1 – The Australian Government is to prioritise environmental sustainability within the aviation sector by implementing goals and targets aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2050.   RECOMMENDATION 2 – Government to explore cabotage to facilitate competition in the shipping industry, potentially leading to more competitive freight rates and improved efficiency in domestic transport. RECOMMENDATION 3 – Government to review Demand Management Schemes to assist in facilitating growth. RECOMMENDATION 4 – Implementation of mandatory performance standards applicable between both CTOs and landside transport operators. RECOMMENDATION 5 – Implementation of a mandatory industry code administered against CTOs to safeguard against any unjustifiable rate increases imposed on landside operators. RECOMMENDATION 6 – Implementation of a mandatory industry code administered against CTOs to safeguard against stoppages. RECOMMENDATION 7 – Government to provide support and incentives to industry focusing on sustainability and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). RECOMMENDATION 8 – Government to establish regulatory frameworks that mandate emission reductions and encourage sustainable practices across all aviation subsectors. RECOMMENDATION 9 – Government to engage with industry as a stakeholder on the framework for airport development. RECOMMENDATION 10 – Incentivise the adoption of green technologies in airport development and operations. RECOMMENDATION 11 – Government to engage with cargo sector as a stakeholder in the master planning phase. RECOMMENDATION 12 – Government to focus on enhanced stakeholder engagement, ensuring reforms are data-driven and evidence-based. RECOMMENDATION 13 – Government to ensure that the cost burden is fairly distributed across different stakeholders and engage with industry stakeholders to develop funding models that are viable and consider the industry's perspectives and capabilities. RECOMMENDATION 14 – Consideration to be made for screening of cargo to certain Australian territories (e.g., Norfolk Islands) to ensure that the cost burden is reduced. RECOMMENDATION 15 – As per previous recommendation in FTA / APSA submission to Simplified Trade System Implementation Taskforce, the Australian Border Force to engage with industry on implementation of a pre-load cargo reporting regulatory model and systems implementation. RECOMMENDATION 16 – Government to invest in targeted education and training programs, collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop clear and adaptable training pathways and qualifications. RECOMMENDATION 17 – Government need to invest in targeted inclusion programs, collaborating with industry stakeholders to fund and facilitate events aimed at addressing diversity. RECOMMENDATION 18 – Government to prioritise career pathways for young Australians in the aviation sector, focusing on education and training initiatives that target domestic talent, especially among youth. RECOMMENDATION 19 – A need for more flexible and transparent negotiation framework is required, with a more inclusive process that considers the interests of a diverse range of stakeholders, including both Australian and foreign carriers, as well as tourism and trade sectors. RECOMMENDATION 20 – Government to support exporters on key trade routes as a priority. RECOMMENDATION 21 – Government to ensure efficient allocation of resources for new or redeveloping ports, leveraging technology for border processing, and cost-sharing models between government and airport operators which are crucial.

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