Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) today represented members in the latest Australian Strategic Fleet meeting.
The meeting, facilitated by Mr Andrew Johnson from the Department of infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department), was aimed at providing an industry update on the recent release of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce final report and the Government's response.
Of the sixteen (16) recommendations contained within the final report, The Department have expressed to stakeholders that they are initially focussing on the following elements :- The Fleet / Industry Consultation - Industry, union & government will be consulted on the design of the initial actions to implement the strategic fleet.
- Workforce Planning - The Transport & Logistics sector Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) will consider workforce recommendations in developing it's annual workforce plan.
- Legislation - A review of Shipping Registration Act 1981 will commence in 2024.
The Department further confirmed the government is focussed on working to implement the recommendations as outlined in the final report and government response.
Concerns were raised by industry participants over : - the cost to industry given the recommendation that government establish a levy on vessel arrivals as a mechanism to fund the strategic fleet?
- whether the Department see that industry supports the need for a strategic fleet?
The Department responded to both suggesting the recommendation on a levy was noted by the government but that no agreement or decision has yet been made in that respect. Whilst not elaborating on where the support lies, the Department does see the need and appetite for a strategic fleet.
Next Step :
The Department will in the coming days release an Issues Paper to seek industry and stakeholder feedback in the following areas :- Eligibility Requirements
- Cost Minimilisation
- Requisitioning (including addressing issues surrounding border compliance)
FTA / APSA will provide a further notice to members upon the release of the Issues Paper in order to seek member engagement and feedback prior to responding.
Resources :
8 November 2023 : Member Notice - Strategic Fleet Report and Government Response
5 February 2023 : Member Notice - Open Invitation to Contribute
Further information on the Strategic Fleet Taskforce is available via the department website HERE or via email to Strategicfleet@infrastructure.gov.au.
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA
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