FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2026/25 - sponsored by Yojee

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

FTA / APSA WEEKLY REPORT 2026/25
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FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT


Compliant Catch Up



Paul Zalai caught up with Clint Latta from The Compliant Group to discuss current industry developments and the count down for the Care-Factor Christmas-in-July Trade Ball. Looking forward to another great industry event.

Cyclone Global Logistics

Earlier this week John Park - FTA caught up with Tim Duggan (right) and Matthew Read (centre) from Cyclone Global Logistics - always good to get out with members and hear first hand what are the issues of the day - we talked on key issues affecting Australian importers and exporters, including customs and policy updates, trade compliance, and the ongoing need to build resilience across 

global supply chains.we also spoke about a recent shipment that Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) were able to assist with on operational matters 

Good to meet Matthew and discuss his various roles and provide some info on the Diploma of Freight Forwarding with WiseTech Academy which is available free to industry - till next time gents

FTA / APSA - TRAINING

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FORESTRY

2026 CONTINUING BIOSECURITY COMPETENCY (CBC)

As published on DAFF's CBC webpage, CBC 2026-27/01 is NOW LIVE on Learnhub

Effective this year, the CBC activity includes both the learning and assessment component, which will only be delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub.

All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by Friday, 24 July 2026.

Further details are available HERE

MYFTACPD TRAINING PLATFORM

Continuing Professional Development Period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027

NEW PERIOD TOPICS NOW AVAILABLE


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.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

DCN - OPINION: Illegal tobacco is thriving — legitimate importers are picking up the bill

Paul Zalai, co-founder and director at Freight & Trade Alliance said "While criminal networks continue to evolve, exploiting gaps in our import frameworks, compliant businesses are increasingly absorbing the financial and operational consequences. The most visible and damaging manifestation of this is the rise of late tagged containers"

This is not simply a compliance inconvenience. It is a direct transfer of risk from criminal actors to legitimate industry participants. READ MORE

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

Federal Budget 2026: Economic Outlook, Trade Risks and What Comes Next: Insights from Economist Saul Eslake Saul Eslake




Thursday 25 June 2026 - 1200 AEST


Join renowned economist Saul Eslake for a timely webinar examining the 2026 Federal Budget, Australia's economic outlook, global trade developments and the implications for business and industry. Includes live Q&A.

FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights

Thursday 2 July  2026 - 1200 AEST

The brown marmorated stink bug:
keeping Australia free of BMSB

Thursday 23 July  2026 - 1400 AEST

Join us for the next instalment of the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia members webinar series, featuring Caryn Scott, Director of the Hitchhiker and Non-First Ports Cargo Policy Team at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

FTA / APSA - UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING & LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

Book now to secure the Early Bird Rates ...

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) are delighted to advise that registrations are now open for the inaugural 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference.

This week we showcase GOLD SPONSOR - The Compliant Group - read more

Are you interested in sponsoring this event?
Please speak with Paul Zalai on 0408 280 123 or pzalai@ftalliance.com.au

2026 CARE-FACTOR INDUSTRY CHARITY TRADE BALL 

It's time to organise table now to avoid disappointment.... 6 WEEKS TO GO!!!

The excitement is growing. Time to frock up and get your dancing shoes on.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), The Compliant Group, Orange Lime Consulting and Next Leap Training Solutions are delighted to host the 2026 Care-Factor Industry Charity Trade Ball at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on Friday 31st July 2026.

Our chosen charity beneficiary for 2026 is the
Reboot Mindset Academy


For further details of the event and sponsorship opportunities please click HERE
T
25 June 2026 : WISTA QLD - Day of the Seafarer 2026 - 12pm to 2pm 
25 June 2026 : Webinar - Federal Budget 2026 Economic Outlook, Trade Risks and What Comes Next  Insights from Economist Saul Eslake 
2 July 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights 
23 July 2026 : WISTA VIC - VICT Terminal Tour
23 July 2026 : Webinar - The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Keeping Australia Free of BMSB
31 July 2026 : Care-Factor (Charity Trade ball) Christmas in July
6 August 2026 : Webinar - FTA/APSA Global Shipping Insights
12 August 2026 : Webinar - Navigating the AI Opportunity  - Find out more from freightmate.Ai 
27-28 August 2026 : 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference

LOGISTICS

Australia's biggest ever cocaine bust as police seize another 2.7 tonnes under Operation Minjiang

The AFP has seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine – the largest ever cocaine seizure in Australia – as part of an investigation into an organised crime plot to import and distribute significant quantities of border-controlled drugs along Australia's east coast.  

The seizure formed part of Operation Minjiang, a Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF) investigation. It follows the previous seizure of 178kg of cocaine and 142kg of methamphetamine,

representing a total seizure of more than 3 tonnes of border controlled drugs.

AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, near western Sydney, on Friday (19 June, 2026). READ MORE (story credit ABF Newsroom)

ICS Planned Outage 

Please noite there will be an outage on Saturday 27 June from 23:00 AEST until Sunday 28 June 06:00 AEST.

Please be advised that the Integrated Cargo System will be unavailable during this period. Industry clients should make arrangements to have cargo cleared outside of these hours.

Australian Border Force apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Regards, Cargo Support | Australian Border Force
Email: cargosupport@abf.gov.au

Webinar: China's Updated Maritime Code - Impact on Freight Forwarders 

Join the free webinar China's Updated Maritime Code - Impact on Freight Forwarders on 29 June 2026 at 13:00 CET, hosted by FIATA. 

 

The session will cover the main changes brought about by China's updated Maritime Code, the first comprehensive revision to the Code in over 30 years. Mr YANG Yuntao, Chair of the FIATA Advisory Body on Legal Matters (ABLM), will provide a general introduction to the changes and the impact of those changes on the freight forwarding industry.
READ MORE & REGISTER HERE

WA ports combine to hear start-up pitches

WESTERN Australia's five port authorities will combine to offer start-ups an opportunity to pitch ideas for port safety, efficiency and security.

 

Kimberley Ports Authority, Pilbara Ports, Mid West Ports, Fremantle Ports and Southern Ports will run a "Port Pitch" event providing the opportunity for startups to pitch ideas that could improve port efficiency, safety, or security. READ MORE ( story credit DCN)

DARWIN - Port Tariffs effective 1 JULY 2026

Please find attached Darwin Port's 2026-27 tariff schedule effective from 1 July 2026. The tariff schedule has been updated to:
• clarify the application and manner of calculating several items in the tariff;
• increase fees by 4.3% for all pilotage charges; and
• increase all other fees by 4.6% except for port induction fees and administration fees on cost recovery activities.

Please contact our Senior Manager Trade & Property, Darren Gilbert, on 1300 327 946 or by email darren.gilbert@darwinport.com.au if you have any questions.


TARIFF

More Gray days in Tasmania

ACTING TasPorts chief executive officer Captain Allan Gray has been appointed to the CEO position after the company searched for a replacement for Anthony Donald, who announced last December he would be stepping down.

 

The highly-experienced Capt Gray was brought on board in March this year to provide stability while a new CEO was sought and transitioned to the top role. Chair Greg McCann announced today [19 June] that Shareholder Ministers had approved the Board's recommendation to extend his appointment as CEO through to 1 December 2027 and was pleased to retain a leader of Capt Gray's calibre.
READ MORE ( story credit DCN) - some members may recall Allan's tenure as harbormaster in Fremantle during his 13 years at Fremantle Ports

What will new leadership mean for WA freight and logistics?

Former Western Australian Government Minister Bill Johnston has been appointed Chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of WA, taking on a key advisory role for the state's freight and logistics sector.

 

Johnston succeeds Megan McCracken, who had served as Chair since June 2021.
READ MORE (story credit ATN magazine)

Notices:

23.6.2026 : Fremantle Ports APSA Trade Data May 2026 - .read more
22.6.2026 : ABF - ICS Planned Outage - read more
22.6.2026: Webinar - Navigating the AI Opportunity Find out more from freightmate.Ai - read more
18.6.2026 : WEBINAR Managing Supply Chain Disruption Lessons from COVID-19 & Building Supply Chain Resilience - read more

SEA FREIGHT

An end to New Zealand coastal container service?

SWIRE Shipping's New Zealand subsidiary Pacifica is to withdraw its remaining coastal container ship for mandatory drydocking and indicated it will not return.

 

The 1,740 TEU Moana Chief currently sails between Auckland, Lyttelton and Marsden Point and has operated solo since running mate Takutai Chief was removed from the coast in late August 2024 after the ending of a NZ$10 million subsidy.

 

In a statement issued to New Zealand's Shipping Gazette™ and shared with DCN, Swire Shipping country manager Jan Hintz said the Pacifica service would be paused for approximately three months from the end of July, while Moana Chief is drydocked. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Qube to offer upgraded Albany bulk handling facility to all users

QUBE is about to start work on a $13 million upgrade at the former Albany Bulk Handling site in Western Australia's south.

 

The work, including hard stand and ship loader strengthening and the installation of a new grid, will transform the facility from a woodchip-only handler to a multi-commodity facility, capable of servicing the grain, mineral sands and critical minerals industries.
READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Notices:

23.6.2026 : International Shipping Line Financial Data Update - read more

AIR FREIGHT

Qantas Freight - Statement regarding Sydney Freight Terminal delays

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received numerous reports from members of delays at the Qantas Freight CTO in Sydney. FTA/APSA have communicated industry concerns directly with Qantas Freight senior management and sought advice on measures being implemented to address the issues.

Qantas Freight has acknowledged that it is experiencing operational delays at its Sydney terminal and has advised that a range of measures are being implemented to support recovery and improve freight flows. READ MORE

Cargo handler Hactl extends Hong Kong franchise for 15 years

Hong Kong cargo handler Hactl has signed a 15-year extension of its handling franchise at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The deal was signed with the Airport Authority of Hong Kong and will run from July 2028 through to 2043.

 

The signing of the deal comes after the airport added a third runway that has boosted cargo operations at the world's busiest cargo hub and will

prompt further investments by Hactl.

 

Hactl chief executive Frosti Lau said: "The signing of this new agreement marks an important milestone for Hactl, underscoring our commitment to Hong Kong and our global outlook, while reaffirming our long-term support for the city's air cargo industry. READ MORE (story credit Air Cargo News)


Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

23.6.2026 : Qantas Freight - Statement regarding Sydney Freight Terminal delays - read more
23.6.2026 : Statement regarding Sydney Freight Terminal delays - read more

BIOSECURITY

Please click  HERE   the DAFF Biosecurity Report -  sponsored by Offshore Business Processing

Agribusiness & Food News

In the latest edition from Austrade they look at

  • New traceability grants to strengthen agricultural trade

  • THAIFEX 2026 builds regional connections for Australian F&B exporters

  • How Eternal Fresh maintains Middle East supply

  • Trade Resilience Service for exporters
    READ MORE

Notices:

19.6.2026 : WEBINAR The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Keeping Australia Free of BMSB 23 July 2026 2:00pm AEST - read more

TRADE

Finance Report
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.

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 23rd June 2026

 

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

LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

22.6.2026 : Austrade - New traceability grants to strengthen agricultural trade - .read more
22.6.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
18.6.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more
17.6.2026 : Xe Morning Update - Your daily market wrap - read more

Anti-Dumping Notices Data Updates Week Ending 23rd June 2026

 

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


LOGIN REQUIRED

BORDER

Two men charged over roles in elaborate 200kg paint-infused meth import

Two Mexican nationals were expected to appear before the NSW Bail Division Court on 16 June, 2026 charged for their alleged roles in the importation of $185 million worth of methamphetamine into Sydney.

 

An investigation began earlier this month (June, 2026) after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted a targeted consignment from Mexico. ABF detector dogs inspected the container and provided a positive indication to narcotics, and the matter was then referred to the AFP.

 

AFP forensic investigators commenced a deconstruction of the container and identified a layer of methamphetamine infused within the internal paintwork of the container
 READ MORE (story credit ABF Newsroom)

Notices:

23.6.2026 : ABF - Six NSW men charged following $39 million cocaine seizure and alleged drug lab discovery - read more
22.6.2026 : ABF - ICS Planned Outage - read more
22.6.2026 : ABF - Australia's biggest ever cocaine bust as police seize another 2.7 tonnes under Operation Minjiang - read more
21.6.2026 : AFP / ABF - Illegal tobacco ring busted in $23 million blow to Queensland Syndicate - read more
20.6.2026 : AFP / ABF - Sydney couple sentenced over failed methamphetamine import from Iran - read more.
19.6.2026 : NZ Customs Release - read more
17.6.2026: ABF TC Gazette 26/22 - 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


11.6.2026 : 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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