As depicted in the charts below, data provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) indicates a significant upsurge in import shipments awaiting document assessment.
Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have brought this matter to the attention of DAFF executives and have a scheduled meeting to elaborate on these concerns, reflecting the diverse perspectives within our membership base, and to obtain insights into the expected trajectory in the coming weeks and months.
This is particularly important noting the revelation in last week's Senate Estimates that DAFF have had difficulty in their recruitment of assessment officers and acknowledging this as being a significant contributing cause in service levels not being met.
INITIAL EXPLANATION PROVIDED BY DAFF
In the interim, feedback from DAFF resulted in the following commentary being conveyed to FTA / APSA:
Measures have been implemented to address the imported food assessment back log. This is a specialised skill set and there are less officers available to do this type of work. All assessment officers with an imported food skill set have been diverted to complete only that type of assessment (or a dual assessment).
We have also implemented peak strategies to manage the backlog. This includes pausing complex/intermediate training whilst this backlog is worked through. This is reassessed on a daily basis.
We are also continuing to onboard new staff, however, as we have previously discussed, it takes time to train these officers.
As per our normal arrangements, overtime continues to be available.
IMPACTS ON IMPORTERS
As highlighted in the 2022 FTA member briefing and submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Adequacy of Australia's Biosecurity Measures, ongoing fluctuating document assessment and inspection levels continue to significantly adversely impact importers in terms delays of cargo release, increased storage charges, logistics costs and shipping line imposed container detention fees.
As well as the direct financial implications, the delays are causing confusion and angst amongst supply chain participants and is leaving customs brokers in the unenviable position of communicating the outcomes to frustrated client importers.
SOURCE: data provided by DAFF and compiled by Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)
NOTE: between September and December 2023 was a period whereby DAFF did not provide performance data
FTA / APSA RECOMMENDED INTERIM & LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
As members will recall as a part of the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL), $145.2 million over three years from 2023 – 24 has been allocated for the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing System (STEPS). This investment promises to deliver a modern system to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of biosecurity clearance in cargo pathways.
As recommended in last week's release of the FTA three-point plan, it is essential that additional funds be allocated for DAFF officer overtime until additional permanent resources and benefits of the STEPS initiative are realised.
FTA is continuing to liaise with peak commodity industry groups forming an alliance of key stakeholders advocating for essential reform to provide long term sustainable funding to strengthen biosecurity safeguards and address supply chain costs that are adding to the 'cost of living' crisis faced by all Australians – further detail available HERE
Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA
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