COVID-19 FINAL REPORT RELEASED : FTA & APSA engagement with the Inquiry Panel

As members will recall during the pandemic, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) led engagement with state and federal governments / departments representing the needs of the international freight and trade sector, in particular, achieving the status for our sector of commerce being deemed an 'essential service'.

Included in this activity were formal submissions and representation to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic - refer to the FTA / APSA opening statement as presented to the committee on 30 July 2020.

COVID-19 Response Inquiry
 
In recognition of this contribution, FTA and APSA representatives had the privilege on 15 May 2024 to engage with the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry Panel (pictured L to R : Dr Angela Jackson, Ms Robyn Kruk AO and Professor Catherine Bennett)



The meeting addressed:

• the relationship between businesses and government during the pandemic was cooperative, with issues being resolved to ensure supply chains kept functioning;
• industry would find communication with governments more efficient if there was a single point of contact;
• a national approach to essential workers and cross-border travel would help freight and logistics businesses ensure they could keep functioning and minimise the risk of supply chain disruptions. Workers in the sector faced significant hardship due to operation of public health orders;
• Governments should consider how to meet the health and welfare needs of seafarers so that Australia meets its international obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006;
• freight and logistics businesses would find it easier to keep track of requirements and provide practical advice to workers if public health orders were written in plain English, with any changes clearly communicated; 
• a greater understanding of supply chains within government would minimise the risk of public health measures resulting in disruptions to supply chains; and
• the freight and logistics sector would welcome improved crisis planning with government, including holding scenario testing exercises between government and industry.

As members would have seen in mainstream media reports over the last 24 hours, the panel has released its well-considered report that identifies 19 immediate actions for the next 12-18 months, and a further seven medium-term actions prior to the next national health emergency. Importantly, much detail of our engagement has been included in the final report, including the need to develop legislative and policy frameworks to support responses in a public health emergency relating to international border management and identifying essential services / workers – refer HERE
 
FTA and APSA look forward to ongoing engagement via Prime Minister and Cabinet and any new statutory body to share members' experiences and to prepare for any future disruptions to international trade.

Paul Zalai - Director FTA / Secretariat APSA