DAFF 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

2026 Mandatory ABF CPD Module

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Your Invoices Aren't Checked. Here's Where the Margin Goes, and How to Get It Back.

In this 30-minute session, Nate Perkins, VP & GM of Payables at BravoTran, goes into the detail with real invoices. You'll see:
• A single invoice broken out line by line, showing where "close enough" turns into lost margin
• The five exceptions that cost forwarders the most, and who should own each one
• A live look at an AP process where your team only touches the exceptions

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 - OUT & ABOUT

OneStop helps you understand your data chain, cut the mundane tasks, and create room to grow. Email sales@1-stop.biz to find out more.

MELBOURNE: Sal Milici recently paid a visit to McHugh & Eastwood and caught up with Aaron Dillon and team. They covered everything from workforce/training pathways and mentoring future talent, through to border delays, Terminal Access Charges, automation, artificial intelligence, rail economics and broader industry reform. Thank you to Aaron and team for their time, insights and candid feedback.

across its operations and global supply chains, and some of the challenges and opportunities that arise at the intersection of manufacturing, trade, regulation and logistics.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

NAB - Morning Call - From COVID to Conflict – Australia's Supply Chain Bottlenecks

Phil Dobbie speaks with Tom Jensen, Head of International Freight & Logistics at the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), to unpack the relentless disruptions hitting global sea freight. From post-COVID supply chain adjustments and soaring landside fees to the Red Sea crisis and escalating Middle East tensions. A very insightful #podcast not to be missed, listen now: https://lnkd.in/grRyaBK6

DCN - Credit card surcharge ban risks impeding trade, freight body says

BANNING businesses from recovering credit card processing fees risks impacting their ability to trade across borders, an industry entity says.

The Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and its affiliated Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) say they support reforms that promote "fair, competitive and efficient payment systems", but preventing businesses from recovering credit card processing fees did not remove the "underlying merchant service fees charged by banks, payment providers and card schemes". READ MORE (story credit DCN)

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

Westport faces delays as industry urges Fremantle freight efficiency

In a joint media release, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) and the Western Australia Transport Industry Association (WATIA) said Fremantle would remain WA's primary container gateway for "at least the next 10 to 15 years", regardless of whether Westport proceeds on its original timeline.

They called for continued investment in container rail efficiency and an expansion of Higher Productivity Freight Vehicle access, arguing HPFVs are "more fuel efficient, safer and productive" and would reduce truck movements around the port. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Delta Cargo expands digital booking capabilities through CargoWise Carrier Connectivity Program

WiseTech Global has expanded its presence in the North American air cargo market with Delta Cargo's new direct data integration with CargoWise.

This enables freight forwarders to efficiently plan, book, confirm, and manage shipments with Delta Cargo in real-time, directly from within the industry's leading logistics execution platform. Delta joins previous North American airline integrations including American Airlines and Air Canada. Full details in READ MORE

Work starts on flood protection for east-west freight corridor

J & J Robertson & Sons launches mental health trailer

awareness around mental health after raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer earlier this year in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Dine & Dance for a Cure. READ MORE (story credit Truck Industry News)

DP World appoints new head for Asia Pacific

DP WORLD has announced the appointment of Jason Varsamidis as chief executive officer and managing director of its Asia Pacific region, effective immediately
.

He brings almost three decades of experience with DP World and the former P&O Ports, which he joined in 1997. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

SEA FREIGHT

Coastal shipping can slash freight emissions, report states

A NEW report has highlighted the significant benefits for reducing freight emissions by moving more cargo to coastal shipping.

Comparing the emissions performance of road, rail and shipping across four essential Australian freight routes, The Emission Reduction Potential of Mode Shift to Maritime Transport report found greenhouse gas emissions reductions of between 60% and 90% by rebalancing freight between road and coastal shipping. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

AIR FREIGHT

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE for the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Wise Tech Academy

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 20th 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 20th October 2026

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

BORDER

MAST detectives charge post office manager following an investigation into alleged importation of vapes and illicit tobacco

Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) detectives have charged three people – including a licensed post office manager - following combined investigations into trusted insiders, allegedly importing illicit tobacco and vapes into Australia.
 

In June 2026, investigators established Strike Force Kerani to investigate the alleged importation of large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes by a 62-year-old man, using his truster insider position in a senior role at a post office north of Sydney. The investigation was supported by Australia Post.  READ MORE (story credit AFP newsroom)

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