FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2025/42 - sponsored by NSW Ports

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2025/42
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JOIN THE ALLIANCE
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK


 


NSW Ports is planning for the future of our ports and port supply chains in our 40 Year Master Plan for Sustainable Growth

 

READ MORE

OUR EXPANDING ALLIANCE

Our network continues to grow, with new members and sponsors bringing valuable expertise and support to the FTA and APSA community.

This week we warmly welcome POLAR Express who have come on board as a Corporate member READ MORE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

FTA / APSA BI-LATERAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ABF

On Monday 20 October, Paul Zalai, Director - FTA | Secretariat - APSA, was privileged to spend a full day in bilateral meetings with senior Australian Border Force (ABF) executives, progressing key reform and partnership opportunities. 

The highlight of the engagement was a productive meeting with ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds AO GAICDREAD MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

A week in Melbourne with Amanda Bradfield

Sal Milici and Amanda Bradfield met with Ashley Goodfellow from Caterpillar Inc., who gave them a tour of their operations.
Caterpillar is this year celebrating 100 years of innovation, engineering excellence, and industry leadership. Discussions covered importing challenges, including BMSB season, Terminal Access Fees, ECP charges, and ro/ro cargo issues

as well as automation and developments across construction and mining. Thanks to Ashley and the Caterpillar team for the warm welcome.



Australia Post
 

Sal and Amanda also called on Linda TarquinioVivian Chanand Stuart McKay from Australia Post, who gave them a tour of their impressive office.
 

Discussions covered U.S. tariffs and de minimis thresholds, the ongoing challenges these create for importers and eCommerce businesses, air freight capacity, particularly the shortage of freighters, and the impacts of the ongoing Canada Post strikeThanks to Linda, Vivian, and Stuart for the warm welcome.

Tyre Stewardship Summit


Amanda Bradfield, Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA | APSA,  delivered a standout keynote presentation at the 2025 Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit in Melbourne last week that was hosted by Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise NZ.

The session provided valuable context and clarity for an audience often captured by the challenges of international freight, but typically without the deep knowledge and intel that Amanda brought to the table.

A huge thanks to Lina Goodman and the team for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute

2025 DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards

An impressive line-up of finalists has been announced across all categories, with many FTA members among those recognised.

A special mention goes to FTA's Bianca Flint and Amanda Bradfield for their well-deserved nominations in the Young Achievement Award and Women in Shipping and Maritime Logistics Award categories.

FTA is a proud supporter of the event and sponsor of the highly contested Freight Forwarder of the Year Award. Congratulations to all finalists!
READ MORE

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

A full list of our extensive ongoing media coverage is available HERE

Notices:

30.7.2025 : DCN - Industry ball shows true care factor - read more

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING WEBINARS
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Game Changers in Global Trade
Hear from WiseTech Global CEO Zubin Appoo

Wednesday 22 October
1200 AEDT



 

In this webinar, we will provide an introduction to WiseTech Global's CEO, Zubin Appoo who will discuss:

  •  CargoWise AI – a powerful game changer for CargoWise customers and the industry 

  •  CargoWise Value Pack – how it will drive significant productivity and efficiencies into the industry

  •  WiseTech + e2open – building a multi-sided marketplace that benefits the whole supply chain

QuickQuote — Problem Solver. Profit Increaser.

Tuesday 28 October
1200 AEDT


Built for Freight Forwarders, QQ automates every step - from quote to bind - in under 90 seconds.Join QuickQuote Director, Tim Cantlon, as we unpack how this innovative marine insurance platform is reshaping the way Freight Forwarders quote, bind, and profit.

Westport Update for FTA and CTAA Members

Tuesday 28 October
1300 AWST


Westport invites FTA / CTAA members to Patrick Seares, Westport's Managing Director, for an update on the future of Western Australia's container port and what it means for the freight and container transport sector.

2025 Industry Awards Nights - Recognising Excellence 

 

DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards - Thursday 20 November, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - Tickets HERE


ASCLA Awards Gala Dinner - Friday 14 November, Melbourne Town Hall - Tickets HERE


We look forward to catching up with you on the night. Please book now.
Are you interested in sponsoring this event?
Please speak with Paul Zalai on 0408 280 123 or pzalai@ftalliance.com.au
UPCOMING EVENTS
24 October 2025 : WISTA Australia webinar - Shifting Tides: Advancing Gender Equality in Maritime 
27 October 2025 : Cyber Security Awareness Month - Simple Steps, Safer Business – Webinar for SMEs 
28 October 2025 : Webinar - Westport Update 
28 October 2025 : WEBINAR - QuickQuote — Problem Solver. Profit Increaser. 
5 November 2025 : WISTA - South Australia Chapter Launch Breakfast 
13 November 2025 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
14 November 2025 : 2025 ASCLA Awards Gala Dinner
19 November 2025 : WEBINAR - What Forwarding and Customs Technology Would Look Like If It Was Built Around You
20 November 2025 : 2025 DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Award, Sydney 
20 November 2025 : 2025 FTA VIC Christmas Networking Function 
27 November 2025 : 2025 FTA NSW Christmas Networking Function
3 December 2025 : WEBINAR - Protecting Cash Flow in a Changing Trade Landscape 
3 December 2025 : 2025 FTA WA Christmas Networking Function 
4 December 2025 : 2025 FTA QLD Christmas Networking Function
4 December 2025 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
5 February 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights [...]
5 March 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights [...]
2 April 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights [...]
22 April 2026 : 2026 Tasmanian Freight & Logistics Forum 
2 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA WA CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 2 May 2026 
8 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Friday 8 May 2026 
9 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA NSW CPD Border Compliance Program- Saturday 9 May 2026 
15 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Friday 15 May 2026
16 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA VIC CPD Border Compliance Program - Saturday 16 May 202
27 May 2026 : 2026/27 FTA QLD CPD Border Compliance Program - Wednesday 27 May 2026 
17 June 2026 : 2026 FTA NSW Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
24 June 2026 : 2026 FTA VIC Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
1 July 2026 : 2026 FTA WA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
15 July 2026 : 2026 FTA QLD Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
27 August 2026 : 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

MANDATORY ABF CPD MODULE
 
FTA has received confirmation from the Australian Border Force that the Mandatory ABF Module for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2026 will be scheduled in January 2026 and will need to be completed by 31 March 2026. The Department will publish an ACN closer to the date with further details.


MANDATORY CBC ACTIVITY
Industry will be advised when the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) has scheduled the Mandatory CBC Activity for the period ending 31 March 2026. FTA will advise further details to our members as soon as they have been published.

2025-2026 FTA ONLINE CPD & CBC TRAINING PACKAGES

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale. New content is now ready for your completion.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Employees of members who do not require CPD points or a formal certificate/attainment statement can access webinar/seminar recordings on our main website HERE (corporate member password protected).

Please email Caroline at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

Notices:

23 July 2025 : 2026/27 CPD- Early Bird Registration- Now Open! - read more

LOGISTICS

Western Australia signals rail freight upgrade


The Western Australian Government has opened tenders to progress planning for rail freight improvements to support the transfer of container trades from Fremantle's Inner Harbour to the new Westport at Kwinana. 

The Request for Proposals invites companies to form an integrated project team to undertake the definition phase of the work, which will see new freight rail connections into the future Kwinana container port, duplication of freight rail between Kwinana and Cockburn, including removing existing rail level crossings, and replacing the existing North Lake Road rail level crossing in South Lake with a new bridge. READ MORE (story / pic credit DCN)

Ports, freight and logistics industry update - October 2025

Read the latest updates and FAQ's from the Department of Transport and Planning - Victoria in this issue

  • West Gate Tunnel project

  • VPP for ECPs

  • $128 million bridge strengthening program boosts freight network
    READ MORE

ACROSS BORDERS




We would like to extend our thanks to Alexander Millman - Special Counsel, Mills Oakley for his article in the recent Across Borders Annual Review 2025.   




 

"Regulations made under the FW Act extend workers' rights under modern awards and enterprise agreements to all "Australian employers" and their "Australian-based employees" around the globe". 

 



 READ MORE 


 

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

Notices:

21.10.2025 : NSW Government - PAMA & PBLIS - Feedback on Proposed Changes to the PBLIS Mandatory Standards & New Performance Benchmarks Mandatory Standards - read more
21.10.2025 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
21.10.2025 : FTA / APSA BI-LATERAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ABF - read more
20.10.2025 : FTA WELCOMES CLEAR.AI AS MAJOR SPONSOR - read more
18.10.2025 : IMO Net-Zero Framework: IMO Delay the Adoption of the Net-Zero Framework by One Year - .read more
17.10.2025  : DP World - Port Botany - Terminal Closure - read more
17.10.2025 :  WEBINAR - QuickQuote - Problem Solver. Profit Increaser - read more
17.10.2025 : Westgate Tunnel - Project Update - read more
16.10.2025 : Qantas Freight - Temporary Access Restriction at the Melbourne Terminal Export Dock - Effective 18-19 October 2025 - read more
16.10.2025 : Hutchison Ports (Brisbane) - Terminal Closure for IT Upgrades - read more
16.10.2025 : Fremantle Ports - Operations resume after incident at KBJ - read more
16.10.2025 : Drewry - Overpriced charter market is due a correction after 5-year boom - read more
15.10.2025 : TasPorts and Strait Link 30-year Port of Burnie agreement - read more
15.10.2025 : Fire Safety Exercise - Patrick Terminal Fremantle - read more

SEA FREIGHT

Another oresome month for Pilbara Ports

PILBARA Ports Authority has reported a year-on-year throughput growth of 3% for September, boosted by shipments from Onslow Iron's Ashburton operations. 

 

The total monthly throughput for September 20205 was 68.5 million tonnes (Mt), of which Port Hedland accounted for 49.4Mt, and 48.6Mt of that was iron ore exports
.READ MORE (story credit DCN)

DP World Outage - Port Botany

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) would like to notify members that DP World Port Botany has announced a terminal outage on Thursday 30th October 2025 from 0500hrs – 1400hrs. READ MORE

Notices:

21.10.2025 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update - read more
 

AIR FREIGHT


Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

17.10.2025 : Qantas–TasPorts Agreement to Boost Devonport Airport - read more

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report - LUCKENS Fumigation Services

BORDER

ABF - Weekend Outage

On Saturday 25 October 2025 the Department's service provider will be implementing essential upgrades. Industry clients may experience a number of short outages or delays in messaging times.

These upgrades will be occurring between 14:00 (AEDT) and 22:00 (AEDT).

EDI messages sent during any outages will queue and be processed when connectivity is restored. 

Australian Border Force launches the National Disruption Group to break the business model of the illicit tobacco trade

The Australian Border Force (ABF) will lead the coordination of the new Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group (ITNDG), a first-of-its-kind whole-of-Government capability to target and disrupt mid-level criminals and enablers operating in the illicit tobacco market.

Expanding enforcement beyond traditional policing agencies connects regulatory compliance to a coordinated national disruption response while removing the burden on police so they can focus on the serious organised elements of illicit tobacco crime. READ MORE

Notices:

20.10.2025 : ABF - Australian Border Force launches the National Disruption Group to break the business model of the illicit tobacco trade - read more
17.10.2025 : ABF - Upcoming Weekend Outage - read more
15.10.2025 : ABF TC Gazette 25/40 - read more

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 21st October 2025

 

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 21st October 2025

 

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


LOGIN REQUIRED

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 


8 September 2025 : Webinars & CPD Recordings - read more 

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

Member Communications
 

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

 
 


 















 

 






  































 
 


 
 


























 

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