Patrick Terminals yesterday (Monday 19 August 2024) released a media statement referencing an analysis by Synergies Economic Consulting titled 'Synergies Analysis Confirms Container Terminal Charges are not a driver of Cost of Living pressures' – refer HERE
Correspondence received by Patrick's CEO today (Tuesday 20 August 2024) provided a confidential extract of the analysis and confirmed this move is to counter commentaries from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), claiming stevedore-imposed Terminal Access Charges (TACs) are one of many unfair commercial shipping practices impacting costs of containerised trade.
Patrick correspondence - refer HERE
Recent FTA / APSA media - refer HERE
FTA / APSA provided a formal response today to Patrick - refer HERE
The timing of the Patrick media release is in the lead up to the next Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Stevedore Monitoring Report (scheduled for November 2024) which the Federal Treasurer has indicated in media statements will be key as a part of the government's consideration for regulatory intervention.
FTA and APSA see this latest play as a positive, returning the media spotlight and political attention to this important matter.
FTA and APSA trust that the federal government will see through this latest strategic move by Patrick and will be guided by the upcoming ACCC analysis, broader industry engagement and the Productivity Commission's well-considered recommendation to introduce a Mandatory Code providing controls and oversight on stevedore landside charges.
FTA and APSA will continue to report developments to members.
Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA