It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Peter McNamara; a respected and long-serving figure in the freight and logistics sector. Peter made an indelible mark on our industry through his leadership, professionalism, and dedication. His extensive service to AFIF helped shape key outcomes and he supported countless industry members throughout his career. On behalf of FTA, we extend our deepest condolences to Peter's family, friends, and colleagues

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

2025-2026 CPD Border Compliance Program sessions are now underway with record numbers  in attendance thus far. Content is delivered from an expert panel of presenters from across government and commerce. Please view the program and purchase your tickets via the links below. 

PERTH (Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront) 
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

BRISBANE (Brisbane Airport Conference Centre)
Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE  

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.

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

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Following the Federal Election on 3 May, the Albanese Government has been re-elected, with the Second Albanese Ministry officially sworn in on 13 May 2025.
 
A notable feature of the new ministry is the continuity across key portfolios, with the following relevant Ministers retaining their roles:
 

• Senator Don Farrell – Minister for Trade and Tourism

• Tony Burke – Minister for Home Affairs

• Julie Collins – Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

• Catherine King – Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

 
This ministerial stability is significant. Typically, a change in Minister can result in a prolonged period of transition. Continuity allows us to build on existing relationships and maintain momentum in our advocacy efforts.
 
In parallel, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated that improving productivity will be a central focus of the Government's next term, particularly as inflationary pressures begin to ease.
 
We now await the opening of the 48th Parliament, expected in late June, where we will continue to engage proactively on behalf of members to progress a broad range of policy and regulatory priorities.

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

A packed room of industry leaders and government agencies attended the Melbourne Regulated Cargo Facility forum last week that focused on 77G depots, Approved Arrangements, and RACA operations. Many thanks to our sponsors Veritas and Andrew Christie Consulting as well as all our speakers from the government agencies. Follow Tom Jensen, General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA to see more

Two full house days in Melbourne last week for the VIC CPD forums - many thanks to all our speakers and sponsors  but especially our members who again proved local face to face events are alive and well -  Follow Tom Jensen, General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA to see more

FTA General Managers visit the Victorian International Container Terminal (VICT)

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

LOGISTICS

Following previous communication from Fremantle Ports regarding essential berth maintenance at Fremantle Port's container berths, please find attached the updated maintenance schedule.
 
Patrick Terminal Berth 9 Shutdown: 19 May – 26 May 2025  
These maintenance works are necessary to ensure ongoing safety and operational efficiency.

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:

SEAFREIGHT

Patrick Terminal Brisbane - Shutdown 20th May 2025

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received notice of a terminal shutdown at the Patrick Terminal Fisherman Islands. All ship and yard operations will cease between 0700 - 1500hrs on Tuesday 20th May 2025.

  READ MORE

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

Qatar-Virgin partnership to accelerate Aus exports

One of the world's largest air cargo carriers, Qatar Airways currently offers over 240 tonnes of cargo capacity each way, each week into the key Australian cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, but with the addition of Virgin Australia's flights, Qatar says total cargo capacity will increase to more than 400 tonnes. READ MORE (credit DCN)

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the DAFF Biosecurity Report

In the latest edition of the news letter

• AANZFTA Upgrade enters into force

• Strengthening market access and opportunities

• US tariffs: Support for Australian businesses
  READ MORE

BORDER

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

Please be advised that the ICS will be unavailable for a 5 hour period between Saturday 31 May 2025 and Sunday 01 June 2025. The outage will be from 23:00 on Saturday 31 May 2025 until 04:00 on Sunday 01 June 2025 and is necessary for system maintenance. Please note that UI will experience a confirmed outage and there is a potential outage for EDI messaging.

Industry clients should make arrangements to have cargo cleared outside of these hours.

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 13th May 2025

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

Notices:

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 13th May 2025

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

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 

1.1.2025:  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.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE