Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry

Engagement on Document Assessment Processes

Member Participation Opportunity

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) recently met with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to gain a better understanding of the document assessment process and the systems that support the movement of import cargo from lodgement through to regulatory assessment and final outcome.

FTA extends its thanks to the DAFF team for generously sharing their time and expertise. The session provided a valuable opportunity for open discussion and helped strengthen industry understanding of the assessment processes that support Australia's biosecurity framework.

Through the session, FTA gained greater insight into the assessment journey, including the role of the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS), workflow management processes and the mechanisms used by DAFF to manage national assessment workloads.

FTA also welcomed the opportunity to discuss practical challenges experienced by members and areas where greater visibility, efficiency and communication may assist importers, customs brokers and logistics providers.

The engagement forms part of FTA's ongoing commitment to work constructively with government agencies to ensure that policy and operational settings are informed by the practical realities faced by members.

Expressions of Interest: "A Day in the Life of a Customs Broker"

FTA also explored opportunities to help DAFF staff gain a greater understanding of the customs broking profession and the critical role customs brokers play in facilitating compliant trade.

FTA is seeking expressions of interest from members who would be willing to showcase the day-to-day activities of a customs broker, including interactions with clients, government agencies, transport operators and other supply chain participants.

The initiative aims to provide officials with a practical, real-world appreciation of the work undertaken behind the scenes to facilitate the movement of goods through Australia's border while maintaining compliance with increasingly complex regulatory requirements.

Participating members would have the opportunity to demonstrate:

• the breadth of activities undertaken by customs brokers;
• the interaction between customs, biosecurity and logistics requirements;
• the practical challenges associated with cargo clearance and regulatory compliance; and
• the important role customs brokers play in keeping Australia's international supply chains moving.

Members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact Lucy Robinson at lrobinson@ftalliance.com.au.

FTA looks forward to continuing its engagement with DAFF and ensuring that industry knowledge and operational experience remain central to future policy and process improvements.