FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

There was strong debate last week in question time on the Biosecurity Levies Bills noting the following extract:

All primary producers have been paying their share for Australian biosecurity for the past 26 years, since the Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia organisations were formed. This new tax is nothing more than 'double dipping' by the government to try and improve their budget bottom line. Even the freight industry is against this levy, with the Freight & Trade Alliance and the Australian Peak Shippers Association presenting a position paper which proposed that Labor not proceed with its levy against producers but instead change the full import declarations arrangement to cover the cost. In a joint statement, they say: We well and truly understand the need to protect against biosecurity risks and would be prepared to pay an additional levy or cost recovery fee on the proviso that an appropriate proportion directly translates to commensurate improved and immediate trade facilitation measures.
 
Refer HERE ( refer page 153 (169) of Hansard)

This week Sal Milici, General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA/APSA will be in Canberra to attend a number of important meetings with senior executives of Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Sal will also attend the Parliamentary Friends of Biosecurity Group function in addition to a number of bilateral meetings with various producer groups in order to garner support for the FTA/APSA 3 Point Plan

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

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

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

ALL licenced customs brokers are reminded to check their FTA Attainment Statement and complete their mandatory CPD training by 31 March 2024 to meet your customs broker licencing requirements for the current period. A total of 30 CPD points must be achieved, with a maximum of 12 CPD Points in Stream B and unlimited in Stream A.

The mandatory Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) Activity 23-24/01: List of Treatment Providers (DAFF) - CPD0213 should already have been completed by Class 19.1 NCCC accredited persons which provided you with 3 CPD Points in Stream A which can be counted towards your annual CPD Points.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) mandatory module must also be completed by 31 March 2024 and will provide you with a further 3 CPD Points in Stream B (refer below). Noting this will not appear on your FTA Attainment Statement and will be reconciled by the Department.

FTA offers a member online training package for $165 with further discounts for bulk registrations. 

If you need assistance or would like to purchase a package for the 2024-2025 customs broker licensing period, please contact Sally or Caroline on training@FTAlliance.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE (ABF) MANDATORY CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) MODULE

ABF advised under the Australian Customs Notice No. 2023/23 that 
ALL licensed customs brokers must complete this mandatory module by 31 March 2024

Please NOTE it is ONLY available via the ABF Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) training portal - read more.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) have issued ACN 2024/10 to advise industry of the process for updating their Customs Broker Licenses for the period 1 July 2024 thru 30 June 2027. Please ensure your details are up to date and when received you action the renewal paperwork promptly by the deadline. READ MORE.

FTA SECTION 77G DEPOT & APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FORUMS

LIMITED CAPACITY - DELEGATES TO BE ALLOCATED ON A "FIRST IN" BASIS

FTA, APSA and CTAA are delighted to host a series of upcoming Depot Forums where the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) senior officers will deliver presentations on emerging reforms and current compliance activity to assist in managing your Section 77G Depot and Approved Arrangement facilities. READ MORE
 

10 MAY 2024: FTA WA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
15 MAY 2024: FTA VIC Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
11 JUNE 2024: FTA QLD Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 

EARLY BIRD RATES AVAILABLE - REGISTER NOW TO SECURE THE BEST PRICE!

2024 CPD BORDER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

3 MAY 2024 : NSW CPD Border Compliance Program 
4 MAY 2024 : NSW CPD Border Compliance Program
11 MAY 2024 : WA CPD Border Compliance Program 
31 MAY 2024 : VIC CPD Border Compliance Program
1 JUNE 2024 : VIC CPD Border Compliance Program
12 JUNE 2024 : QLD CPD Border Compliance Program

By registering for one of the above events you will receive a minimum of 21 customs broker Continuing Professional Developments (CPD) points issued on an attendance basis for the customs broker licensing period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and complimentary online CPD and CBC access to meet your licensing and approved arrangement requirements for the period.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

LOGISTICS

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) as a member of the Industry Stakeholder Reference Group is proud to be part of the Industry collaboration on the Victorian Freight Plan - Delivering the Goods. Refer update as outlined below. In addition, a freight industry summit is planned for the middle of the year to gain broader input from stakeholders. READ MORE 

Come along on Thursday 18 April to a free CTAA container logistics issues update in Melbourne, combined with an insightful briefing on Matchbox Exchange's innovative digital platform on empty container reuse and exchange. The briefing will be followed by drinks & finger food - a great opportunity to network with your peers and colleagues in the container transport & freight logistics sector. REGISTER HERE

Supply chain security bulletin | March 2024

Westport Navigate Newsletter March 2024

In this issue, we discuss:

• Westport's referral of the proposed marine and landside port infrastructure to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

• The proposed new channel across Owen Anchorage, Gage Roads and the existing Deep Water Channel. 

• Proposed rail upgrades that form part of Westport's preferred design.

• Westport's work towards sustainable, net-zero, resilient, and nature positive infrastructure.

• The latest reports published as part of the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program.

  READ MORE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Inbound connects thousands of participants in licensed Sec 77G Depot and Sec 79 Warehouses around Australia through its technology platform - FTA has partnered with Inbound to provide industry with an easy way to procure compliant WADSICs. -  READ MORE 

SEAFREIGHT

The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) is the designated peak shipper body granted status by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport under Part X of the Consumer & Competition Act to represent the interests of Australian shippers generally in relation to liner cargo shipping services. The following notice has been received and is available to members' reference.

• 19 MARCH 2024 : Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - for Kiwi Express Service inwards and outwards service 

• 19 MARCH 2024 : Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - NEAX/A1X/AUE/NAX Inwards and Outwards service 

• 19 MARCH 2024 : Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - for Asia Australia Consortium (A3) Joint Services Agreement inwards and outwards service 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), as part of the Consultative Group for the Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), are preparing a response to Issues Paper 4 focussing on Green Shipping Corridors and Partnerships which was recently released by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department).

READ MORE      Member Log In Required

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

• Consolidating our International Ground Handling Operations into Terminal 1 
  With a phased approach, airlines currently being handled at Terminal 3 will move to Terminal 1, enabling us to combine our international ground handling operations into one terminal.

• Free Storage Day

  Our free storage day is a convenient solution to your storage needs over the upcoming holidays. Visit our website for more information on terminal lodgement and collection times. 

READ MORE

dnata have reached out to Freight & Trade Alliance with the below working arrangements for the Easter period.  READ MORE

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

The Department has advised the return of the Cargo Operations Snapshot. Members will see a few changes one of which is the addition of a section on Cargo Compliance. When viewing the report we suggest members note the Data Definitions on page 3.

March 25 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

New Recognised Offshore Cleaning and Pre-inspection Provider (ROCIP) 

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has formally recognised eight Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre (JEVIC) facilities: Yokohama, Nagoya Kinjo 1, Nagoya Kinjo 2, Osaka Sukematsu, Moji, Osaka Shiomi 2, Yokohama C3 and Nagoya Inaei facilities as a Recognised Offshore Cleaning and Pre-inspection Provider (ROCIP) for used motorcycles and associated parts for export to Australia. READ MORE

Notices:

BORDER

Depot penalties  - FTA seeking member feedback for informed compliance program

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is receiving advice from members indicating an alarming increase in the number of Australian Border Force (ABF) Infringement Notices being issued against Depot facilities licensed in accordance with Sec 77G of the Customs Act. FTA is seeking further feedback from members with details of the Infringement Notices to ascertain trends in the ABF focus and areas where concerted informed compliance attention is required.

Please send details of the Infringement Notice and associated circumstances to Tom Jensen (Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA). All material will be treated on a confidential basis. READ MORE

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

The Australian Government will abolish around 500 nuisance tariffs in the biggest unilateral tariff reform in two decades to boost productivity, reduce compliance costs for businesses and ease the cost of living for Australian families by over $120 million over the next four years. Treasury is seeking views from interested parties on the nuisance tariffs selected for removal ahead of finalisation of the list of tariffs. Have Your Say (comments close 1 April 2024)

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 25th March 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 25th March 2024

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

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 

13.9.2023 : Webinars & Recordings ... 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

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.

2023 sponsorship prospectus is available HERE