Approved arrangement Class 19 Continuing Biosecurity Competency (CBC)

NOW LIVE

The second Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity for Approved Arrangement Class 19 accredited persons (CBC 2026-2027/02 - CPD0310 is now live for completion.

The activity includes both a learning and assessment component and is delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub ONLY.

Important: All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
 

For further information or need assistance please visit the CBC webpage or email the Department directly on Class19@aff.gov.au

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Simplify the USA - Navigating Executive Order 14411 for Foreign Importers of Record

This webinar is designed for exporters, importers, logistics professionals, and business leaders involved in USA trade who want greater confidence and clarity in managing their supply chain operations.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

FTA / APSA MINISTERIAL ENGAGEMENT ON SKILLS & WORKFORCE PRIORITIES - SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERS SUMMIT II

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) were privileged to participate in last week's Supply Chain Leaders' Summit II at NSW Parliament House, joining senior industry leaders and government representatives to progress national workforce and supply chain capability priorities. In response, FTA/APSA have provided a formal submission to Minister Giles, reinforcing the freight-specific priorities we have consistently raised with government over the past two years. 
Our correspondence draws on the newly released 2026 Workforce Planning Update from Industry Skills Australia (ISA), noting that while the Update aligns with earlier recommendations, it is essential that government ensures focus is also on freight and logistics occupations who are key to trade facilitation as well as "transport".
FTA/APSA will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of members and will keep you informed of further engagement with government, ISA and parliamentary stakeholders. READ MORE

Country Action List Holds - Member Feedback Sought

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has recently received member feedback regarding significant delays and costs associated with Country Action List Hold (also known as GAS Hold).The timing is particularly relevant given the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's (DAFF) latest Industry Advice Notice (170-2026), released today, which introduces updated requirements for requesting the transhipment of Country Action List (CAL) cargo without inspection, including a new Cargo Exemption List template that must accompany exemption requests.

FTA will be meeting with DAFF in coming weeks to better understand the current operating environment and identify opportunities to improve member outcomes. Members are encouraged to send feedback and examples directly to smilici@ftalliance.com.au. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

SYDNEY: FTA would like to extend our thanks to Wisetech Global for their support of the 2026 Care-Factor Industry Charity Trade Ball.

WiseTech Global is proud to support the freight and logistics professionals who keep global trade moving. To help the industry navigate an increasingly complex environment, explore our free Ocean Freight Risk Outlook for a four-week forward view of risk across major global trade lanes.
 

Get the free forecast: Ocean Freight Risk Outlook | WiseTech Global

We also discussed some of the broader structural changes, including market power and increasing vertical integration, and what these trends could mean for competition and the future shape of the supply chain.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - New tobacco bill set to pass parliament

NEW legislation governing the tobacco trade is seemingly set to become law after the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee recommended its passing without amendment. 

In its statement, the Freight and Trade Alliance acknowledged the "significant challenges posed by organised criminal activity and the illicit tobacco trade and recognises the importance of effective enforcement measures designed to protect the integrity of Australia's border and revenue systems".

"Industry has a clear interest in ensuring that legitimate trade is not undermined by criminal networks," the FTA stated READ MORE (story credit DCN)

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

MARK YOUR DIARY
FOR OUR 2027 BORDER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Licensed customs brokers who attend the full program will earn 24 CPD points, providing a valuable opportunity to meet professional development requirements while gaining the latest insights into border and biosecurity compliance and industry best practice.

• Victoria – Friday 30 April & Saturday 1 May 2027 | Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields

• Western Australia – Saturday 15 May 2027 | Novotel Murray Street, Perth

• Queensland – Wednesday 26 May 2027 | Brisbane Airport Conference Centre

• New South Wales – Friday 18 June & Saturday 19 June 2027 | The Brighton Hotel

LOGISTICS

Swan River Crossings - Fremantle Traffic Bridge
Upcoming Traffic Changes 

In the lead up to the opening of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge, Main Roads will be undertaking a range of night works. Transport companies should take note on how these may impact nighttime activities. In particular the works around Stirling Highway and Tydeman Road intersection  READ MORE

TT Talk: October 2026

This month, we examine why container doors should be treated as safety-critical assets, highlighting the importance of maintenance, inspection and safe operating procedures; explore how enclosed space hazards continue to cause fatalities across maritime and logistics operations, reinforcing the need for robust controls and strong safety cultures; and consider the growing challenges of transporting military cargo safely, securely and in compliance with complex international regulations as global defence activity increases. READ MORE

More than a billion dollars for NSW freight route upgrades

The Golden Highway, New England Highway, Sturt Highway and Newell Highway are among the key NSW freight routes set to be upgraded as part of a $1.74 billion roads package announced by the Federal and State government.
 

The new Regional Corridors Upgrade Program (RCUP) will see the Federal government invest $697 million in support of the NSW government's $1.049 billion to strengthen routes that connect freight to ports and industries in the state. READ MORE (story credit ATN magaizne)

Victoria, South Australia work on joint freight plan

A REFRESHED Green Triangle Freight Action Plan has been jointly developed by the governments of Victoria and South Australia to map out the next five years of overlapping freight network development.

The Green Triangle is a major forestry region in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia that supplies large volumes of plantation hardwood and softwood timber for new housing and infrastructure projects.

New and emerging industries will generate significant freight growth in the region over the next five to ten years, including renewable energy, mineral sands, and critical minerals, the states say. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

Future-ready cranes lift off at Hutch

TWO new cranes at Hutchison Ports were cause for celebration this week, as representatives from shipping lines and other industry guests gathered at the Port Botany terminal to mark the first lift.  TWO new cranes at Hutchison Ports were cause for celebration this week, as representatives from shipping lines and other industry guests gathered at the Port Botany terminal to mark the first lift.  READ MORE (story credit DCN)

PART X Competition & Consumer Act

Ports praised for GRESB sustainability efforts

KEY Australian ports in Victoria and New South Wales have been praised for their efforts towards sustainability, as part of the 2026 GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment.
 

Port of Melbourne was again recognised as a GRESB Sector Leader, marking its fourth consecutive year in a leading position.

Port of Melbourne chief executive Saul Cannon said they were "proud to have retained our 5-star GRESB rating for a fifth consecutive year and achieved the maximum score of 100 points for the third year running". READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

Menzies takes on a changing cargo landscape

Cargo volumes across Menzies Aviation's global network have continued to grow during 2026, although the performance of individual regions, facilities and trade lanes has varied amid geopolitical disruption, changing trade policies and rising costs. The firm's executive vice president of cargo, Beau Paine, says that during its most recent quarter, aircraft turns were up 8% year on year to 1.2m cargo volumes increased 7% to 620,000 tonnes.

"Cargo volumes across our network have been positive overall during 2026, although performance has varied by region, facility and trade lane," says Paine.
 

Oceania has emerged as a particular area of opportunity for Menzies, with the company investing in additional capacity at key gateways. At Western Sydney International Airport, Menzies has begun operations from a new 12,500 sq m facility capable of handling up to 200,000 tonnes annually. READ MORE (story credot Air Cargo News)

Please refer the Qantas Freight website for updates on operational matters. 

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE for the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Biosecurity Business Pledge

TRADE

Australian exporters and industry leaders share the stories behind trade diversification and growth in a new podcast series. The Next Market with Austrade explores practical lessons from business and industry, and the people, partnerships and ambition driving export growth.
 LISTEN NOW

Also in this edition

• Ego Pharmaceuticals grows exports under A-UAE CEPA

• Australian growers find fresh opportunities at Asian fruit shows

• Food for thought at Fine Food Australia 2026
  READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 13th October 2026

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  

LOGIN REQUIRED

FTA have added the Xe exchange rate widget to the right sidebar on our FTAlliance.com.au home page, so members can easily convert using live rates provided by our affiliate partner in Xe.

It also has a link to the Xe/FTA landing page for members to create a free account with Xe.

Notices:
 

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 13th October 2026

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 

BORDER

Notices

WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

Training, Finance & Events Enquiries
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send training, finance, events and general administration enquiries to Training@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE