CTAA eNews - 3 April 2020

This CTAA e-News is sponsored by CTAA Alliance Partner: City of Canning and Link WA CTAA and @Link WA Alliance are encouraging us all to recognize the role of truckies who are performing an essential service to the community in these current times. Get the message out to make sure the next time we see a truckie we put our #thumbsup4truckies! COVID-19: Container Logistics Freight Sector Update Freight as an Essential Service: CTAA is involved in regular dialogue with Ministers, advisers and government departments to discuss the specific aspects of container transport supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic response. While freight logistics activities haven't been formally declared as an "essential serivce" through regulation, Federal and State Governments have strongly supported the continued flow of freight to ensure that the economy and community continue to function. This week, CTAA has participated in the first meeting of the newly reformed NSW Freight Logistics Advisory Council (FLAC), with involvement from NSW Minister for Transport & Roads, Andrew Constance, and Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, Paul Toole. Also, Freight Victoria has convened useful regular contact with CTAA and others on issues specific to the container freight logistics sector. The strong message from CTAA, together with the likes of the ALC, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), Shipping Australia, Ports Australia, the ATA, AFIF and others, is that the whole of the freight logistics supply chains must continue to be considered "essential" if we are to avoid the worst of freight bottlenecks and delays which could occur. In NZ, the "lock-down" directives are more severe than in Australia, leading to not all freight movements being considered essential, and even if they are, there being no end destination for freight as major retail outlets and other aspects of the economy shutdown. Useful statements on the essential nature of freight can be downloaded below:   Federal Release re Truck Rest Stops   Letter to CTAA from Victorian Ministers Pulford and Horne re freight services    Victorian Freight & Logistics Industry COVID-19 Update - 31 March 2020   Port of Melbourne Response to COVID-19: Update 4 - 2 April 2020   NSW Ports COVID-19 Update - 2 April 2020   Port of Brisbane COVID-19 Impacts   WA Supply Chain COVID-19 Response Group: Update 2 - 2 April 2020 Container Freight Sector Contingency Planning   While container freight is being treated as an "essential service" under the current Australian response to COVID-19, CTAA has embarked on discussions in Victoria and NSW (at this point in time, with Brisbane to follow) on possible supply chain contingencies if the container transport logistics chain is more severely distrupted.  We are aware that this planning is also proceeding in Fremantle, through Fremantle Ports. Read More ABF Updates Maritime Crew Advice Australian Border Force (ABF) has revised its advice regarding mairitime crew, ship berthing and "self-isolation" of crew if the vessel arrives in Austtralia less than 14 days since the vessel had departed an overseas port.  There is also comprehensive advice issued by the Federal Department of Health on COVID-19 measures to be taken in the maritime industry. Some difficulties have been experienced previously with ship arrivals in various ports, and the Maritime Union (MUA) delayed working the vessel Xin Da Lian in Melbourne, resulting in action taken by the stevedore company. For the landside logistics sector, these delays contribute to added delays and costs in the container logistics chain.  For instance, first day of availability for the vessel Xin Da Lian in Melbourne is now Sunday, requiring transport operators to work that day to pick up boxes first day - more expensive labour and operating costs, and transport yard staging.      ABF Advice - 1 April 2020 Dept. of Health COVID-19 Info Third Federal Government Economic Stimulus Package - Analysis The Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP Capital, Shane Oliver, has provided CTAA with the following analysis of the third Economic Stimulus Package announced by the Federal Government earlier this week. Eligible businesses are also encouraged to register interest in the JobKeeper Payment scheme.  Read Analysis Read More and Register re JobKeeper Payment Scheme Clerks Award Varied Due to Coronavirus The Fair Work Commission has varied the Clerks Award to provide workplace flexibility during the COVID-19 response.  The Award changes are effecive from the first pay period on or after 28 March until 30 June 2020. For many administration staff in the landside container logistics sector, the Clerks Award is the default Award with coverage. Read More  Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) is strong Alliance of leading businesses engaged in the container transport logistics industry. CTAA Alliance companies account for the majority of containerised freight handled in capital city ports in Australia. Visit our website: Here or consider joining? - ask us Here

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