FTA / APSA advocacy with the ABF and Home Affairs

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Mr Paul Zalai (3).pdf

FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Further to the Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) member notice on the establishment of the Home Affairs Portfolio, we have received formal correspondence from Michael Outram APM A/g Commissioner about the role of the Australian Border Force (ABF) as Australia's frontline border law enforcement agency.


"Please be assured that as Australia's customs service, the ABF will also continue to work with industry to facilitate legitimate trade and maintain a strong, secure border. Home Affairs provides an opportunity for us to continue reducing the regulatory burden on industry and further strengthen our international trade relationships." 

The correspondence also raises awareness about the introduction of new email addresses. ABF officers now have an address format of firstname.surname@abf.gov.au while a new website, abf.gov.au is expected to be operational 1 July 2018. In the meantime, the homeaffairs.gov.au website will continue to host ABF content - to view the full correspondence please click HERE


FORMAL COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATION

FTA / APSA are pleased to advise that we will be continuing our advocacy representation to the ABF, Office of Transport Security and Home Affairs via the following forums during 2018 :
 

  • National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) 

  • NCTF Legislative Matters sub-committee 

  • NCTF Regulatory Reform sub-committee 

  • Trade Facilitation Initiatives Working Group

  • Air Cargo Security Industry Advisory Forum (ACSIAF)

  • Office of Transport Security (OTS) Cargo Working Group International Working Group

  • Office of Transport Security (OTS) Domestic Working Group

  • Australian Border Force - Trade & Goods Compliance Advisory Group (CAG) 

  • Australian Trusted Trader Streamlined Cargo Reporting Working Group 

  • Australian Border Force - NSW Trade Facilitation Forum 

  • Australian Border Force - Victorian Service Provider Working Group 


FTA / APSA have also scheduled a series of "bi-lateral" meetings with Portfolio executives during the course of the year to address operational and policy reforms.


Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA