APSA 35th Annual General Meeting - Critical Supply Chain Challenges & Future Opportunities

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The Australian Peak Shippers' Association (APSA) welcomed a strong turnout of members, industry representatives, and government stakeholders at its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held yesterday (19 August 2025) in Melbourne.

The meeting featured key discussions on:
  • Federal Government-led Productivity Roundtable forums – covering border and biosecurity reform, logistics challenges, and updates on major infrastructure developments and policy reforms shaping the sector.
  • Rapidly increasing stevedore and empty container park fees – highlighting the importance of collaboration and strong advocacy on behalf of exporters, importers, and logistics providers, including the voluntary protocols now established under the National Transport Commission.
  • Shortage of 20-foot and food-quality containers – a fundamental barrier to supporting agricultural exports.
  • Technology solutions – including the recently launched TradeWindow Certificate of Origin offering and an agreement in principle to progress broader documentation services via WiseTech Global.
A highlight was a presentation by Intermodal Terminal Company, an APSA member and proud sponsor of the event, outlining progress on the Somerton Intermodal Terminal, due to open in October 2025.

Delegates also heard from the Hon Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, who provided valuable insights into the recently launched Victorian Freight Plan. Minister Horne also addressed efforts at a national level to tackle escalating landside charges, noting agreement to progress reforms at the upcoming national meeting of transport ministers. Minister Horne confirmed that she has been actively engaging with senior Federal colleagues, including Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King, Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino, and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh.
 
Importantly, the AGM also confirmed the re-election of the APSA Board:
  • Chair: Olga Harriton (Manildra Group)
  • Vice-Chair: Brian Thorpe (Visy Procurement)
  • Treasurer: Billy Davies (Australian Meat Industry Council)
  • Committee of Management: Flaminio Dondina (Casella Family Brands), Sarah Granger (Fletcher International Exports), Brian Wright (Australian International Movers Association), Michael Brittain (AGT Foods Australia), Mark Christmas (QMAG)
  • Secretariat: Paul Zalai (Freight & Trade Alliance – FTA)