FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2026/35 - thank you to the ANZSL conference sponsors

Wednesday, September 2, 2026
 
FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2026/35
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Freight & Trade Alliance | Australian Peak Shippers Association and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the above sponsors for their support of the inaugural; Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference 

MINISTERIAL SUPPORT - ANZSLC 2026

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) appreciated the support from Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade & Tourism, who provided a message to delegates at last week's Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference.

The Minister acknowledged the importance of industry-government collaboration and noted the value of the advocacy undertaken by FTA, APSA and NZCOC across trade, logistics and supply chain reform.

Stay tuned — we will shortly share highlights from what was an outstanding inaugural event, including keynote moments, panel insights and delegate feedback.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

4 September 2026 : Austrade - Europe Agritech & Foodtech Export Opportunities Workshop (Melbourne) 
24 September 2026 : Annual Retired Customs Brokers Luncheon - SYDNEY "UPDATED INFO & REGISTRATION LINK"
30 April 2027 : Victoria (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
1 May 2027 : Victoria (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
15 May 2027 : Western Australia (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
26 May 2027 : Queensland (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
18 June 2027 : New South Wales (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 
19 June 2027 : New South Wales (24 CPD points) - Border Compliance Program 

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

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

SYDNEY: Great to catch up with Swasti Pandya from INTRESO Group at the FTA Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference. 


With the BMSB risk season commencing on 1 September, the timing couldn't have been better to reconnect and discuss the latest developments, industry preparedness, and the critical role treatment providers play in supporting Australia's biosecurity framework.

 

Over the past year, there has been significant discussion around eFUME within the biosecurity sector. INTRESO continues to be actively engaged in important industry discussions, particularly as awareness and interest in eFUME continues to grow across the biosecurity sector.


PERTH: John Park was pleased to catch up with Abhidha Bhatt and Lorin McKenzie from GTC yesterday - it was an opportunity to be shown around the new offices and also chat to Lorin and Abhidha about what they see happening in the current environment and how that may be impacting their client base. We also spoke on the shortage of licensed customs brokers as well as roles for compiler / classifiers wanting to get into the industry.

AI was also addressed and how it may impact / benefit our industry - great to have GTC onboard as an FTA member - also appreciated Lachlan Smith taking the time to say hi.

PERTH: Pleased to attend the Westpac International Trade Matters Series 2026 yesterday to hear from the below referenced speakers and get their insights on the impact of current geopolitical tensions and global trade trends, the growing importance of sustainability and ESG, supply chain resilience, and the opportunities emerging across the Western Trade Corridor. Some thought provoking advice from Esther on how businesses can gain from all the growth in WA and of course Darryl Daisley's commentary on Trade Issues..
It was also good to catch up with Beau Andrus  from CMA CGM and Amanda Bradfield from End to End Logistics

above LtoR - Nicholas Wandke (Head of Sustainability, Business & Wealth | Westpac,  Esther Anderson, General Manager, Western Trade Coast Business network and Darryl Daisley, Director AXUM

 

right Beau Andrus, State Manager - CMA CGM ANL with John Park

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

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

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF)
2026 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)

 
Accredited persons who have not completed their Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) Mandatory Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) Activity 2026-27/01 (0302) by the due date (24 July 2026) should complete immediately via Learnhub.

On completion you are required to send the Certificate of Completion to Class19@aff.gov.au to reactivate your accreditation.
MYFTACPD Training Platform

Continuing Professional Development Period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027


When completing topics online via our MYFTACPD training platform, you must only complete topics in your "ACTIVE" library to receive the CPD Points for the period. You can review old courses for reference or as a refresher in your "COMPLETED" library, however any assessments completed will NOT count towards CPD Attainment. This approach is to ensure you remain up to date with current topics when completing your professional development.
Are you organised for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training?

FTA offers online training 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 bulk discounts are available on a sliding scale. 


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

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

LOGISTICS

New head for Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning

VICTORIA's Department of Transport and Planning has a new chief, with the current Deputy Secretary of Transport Services Fiona Adamson elevated to the leadership position.

Ms Adamson will started as Secretary of DTP on 28 August "and will play a critical role in advising and supporting the Government to deliver the ongoing transformation of the transport network, Victoria's integrated transport, planning, and housing portfolio to manage daily network operations, deliver generational projects and drive critical development reforms". READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Pilbara Ports leading the world in decarbonisation says GMF

AUSTRALIA'S iron ore corridor leads the world in the global decarbonisation push according to the Global Maritime Forum's (GMF) world-leading decarbonisation expert, Jesse Fahnestock.Speaking to DCN following the release of the federal government's Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), Mr Fahnestock said Australia was emerging as a natural leader, particularly through the Pilbara iron-ore trade, but warned that momentum must now translate into investment and policy support.
READ MORE (story credit DCN)

FLCWA maps freight futures in new scenario workshop

THE Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia (FLCWA) has outlined a set of strategic priorities for the state's freight network following a scenario-planning workshop involving industry and government representatives.

 

The workshop, attended by 36 participants from the Council and its Freight Reference Group, examined future implications for WA's international, interstate and intrastate supply chains. READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

Fremantle Ports FY26/27 Inner Harbour Berth Maintenance Program

As part of Fremantle Ports' proactive Inner Harbour berth maintenance program for FY26/27, we are providing the attached preliminary maintenance schedule for your reference.These works are necessary to maintain the ongoing safety, integrity and operational efficiency of the Inner Harbour berths.
 
The current planned maintenance periods are summarised below: READ MORE 
PORT MAP

Annual Retired Customs Brokers Luncheon - SYDNEY

Thursday, 24th September 2026 @ the Harbour View Hotel, 18 Lower Fort St,
Dawes Point -The Rocks 


Details now updated and include menu selection form and payment details -

please see  HERE

Notices:

1.9.2026 :    BREAKING NEWS - Cyclone Global Logistics Completes Acquisition of Austorient Freight Services - read more
31.8.2026 : Commencement of the 2026-27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Risk season - 1 September 2026 - read more
28.8.2026 : Clear.ai Transforms Qube Global Freight Forwarding into an AI-First Operation - .read more
27.8.2026 : Price & Speed BMSB Season - ADVERTISEMENT - read more
26.8.2026 : Australian Government releases Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP) - Navigating net-zero waters - .read more

SEA FREIGHT

Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP)

The Australian Government last week released Australia's first Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), outlining actions to support maritime decarbonisation across ports, shipping, fuels, workforce skills and emerging technologies. Key initiatives include low-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure, shore power, Maritime Single Window development and green shipping corridors. FTA/APSA participated in the consultation process, advocating for ongoing industry engagement, shore power infrastructure, harmonised regulation and planning for future marine fuel and bunkering requirements, with a number of these recommendations reflected in the final plan. READ MORE

 

Notices:

1.9.2026 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update - read more

AIR FREIGHT

dnata - Japan Airlines (JL) Ground Handling & Cargo Transition in Melbourne

dnata has advised Freight & Trade Alliance of an upcoming change to the ground and cargo handling arrangements for Japan Airlines (JL) operations in Melbourne From September 1 2026 dnata will assume responsibility for ground handling services for Japan Airlines in Melbourne, including cargo operations.  READ MORE

Hong Kong Air Cargo adds Brisbane to charter network

Hong Kong Air Cargo plans to start round-trip charter flights between Hong Kong and Brisbane, Australia this month.

 

The cargo carrier will begin flights on 29 August and operate the once a week service on Saturdays.

 

"By expanding footprint at Queensland's premier aviation gateway, the route strengthens our regional network and opens lucrative trade lanes between East Asia and Oceania," said Hong Kong Air Cargo. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)

Air cargo demand rises again in July but growth eased

Air cargo demand growth in July was backed by strong performances by airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, but gains eased from earlier in the year. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2025.

 

In comparison, year on year demand grew 8.5% in June, 6% in May, and 4% in April as it recovered from the disruption of the start of the Middle East conflict. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)


Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

1.9.2026 : WSI - Western Sydney International welcomes trial passengers and Jetstar trial flight ahead of airport launch -  .read more

 

BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE for the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Yojee

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 1st SEPTEMBER 2026

 

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

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Finance Report

Please see the Weekly Market Summary courtesy of  Xe

 

READ MORE - LOGIN REQUIRED

LIVE exchange rate conversion
 

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:

31.8.2026 : Xe - Market Snapshot and Bank Forecasts 310826 - .read more
31.8.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more

                  Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 1st September 2026

                   

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


                  LOGIN REQUIRED

                  BORDER

                  Millions in Cigarettes seized and Criminal Assets Restrained as Transnational Illicit Tobacco Network Targeted

                  Millions of illicit cigarettes, bank accounts, assets and two properties have been seized and restrained in a multimillion-dollar blow to an alleged major transnational organised crime (TSOC) network operating in the illicit tobacco trade.

                   

                  The Australian Border Force (ABF) led Illicit Tobacco Task Force (ITTF) and ACT Policing have jointly disrupted the criminal network suspected of facilitating

                  large-scale importations and the storage and distribution of illicit tobacco products.READ MORE (story credit ABF newsroom)

                  Notices

                  31.8.2026 : ABF - Millions in Cigarettes seized and Criminal Assets Restrained as Transnational Illicit Tobacco Network Targeted -  read more
                  28.8.2026 : NZ Customs Release - read more
                  26.8.2026 : ABF TC Gazette 26/32 - read more

                  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


                  25.8.2026 : 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

                  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


                   
                  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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