Logistics sector set to have its say on productivity
Freight and Trade Alliance director Paul Zalai said the 'big ticket' issues would be the need for regulation to rein in spiralling terminal access charges imposed by stevedores and empty container parks, and the need to repeal Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act. "[Part X] currently provides foreign-owned shipping lines with exemptions from Australian competition law—protection that is no longer warranted in today's trade environment," Mr Zalai said. "Recent delays caused by border holds have again highlighted the unfair practice of import container detention administered by shipping lines. "While we understand the need for disciplines to return containers within contracted timeframes, shipping lines need to be reasonable and give extensions when the cause of the delay is outside of the control of the cargo owner or freight forwarder." Mr Zalai said they would also highlight member concerns that Australia's freight infrastructure was failing to keep pace with commercial reality. "Structural weaknesses in the supply chain, including reliance on a small number of carriers, unreliable schedules, and equipment shortages, continue to undermine resilience and trade competitiveness," he said. Mr Zalai said major service providers operated with little accountability, shifting risk and cost onto shippers without meaningful consequence. "We will also suggest exploring the establishment of an independent regulatory mechanism to address these imbalances and provide accessible dispute resolution," he said. |