BORDERS - GAME CHANGER - PORT OF MELBOURNE'S NEW RAIL PROJECT FOOD SECURITY AMID COVID19 - THE HON. DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP - Freight Trade Alliance
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WINTER 2020
ACROSS
BORDERS
GAME CHANGER –
PORT OF MELBOURNE’S
NEW RAIL PROJECT
FOOD SECURITY AMID COVID19 – THE HON. DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
COVID-19 STATUS REPORT – THE ADVOCACY ROAD AHEAD
NATIONAL COVID-19 COORDINATION COMMISSION – CHAIRMAN MR. NEV POWER
Contents ACROSS
2
4
6
10
Food Security amid COVID-19
Australian Peak Shippers Association - Report from the Chair
COVID-19 Advocacy Response by Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)
and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA)
eLearning: a pathway to advancing your potential
BORDERS
12 Keeping supplies moving during COVID-19 and beyond WINTER 2020
14 Future-proofing South Australia’s port and freight infrastructure
16 New shipment signals new opportunities for the Hunter
17 New empty container park at Port Botany creates supply chain
efficiencies
18 Guidance in maintaining supply chains: TT Club’s support during
the pandemic
20 The group who kept WA’s Freight Industry Moving
22 Contemplating wearing socks again
23 Game changer – Port of Melbourne’s new rail project
24 Assisting Australian Exporters get to their Customers
26 The New Normal
28 What will your New Normal look like?
30 ACFS Port Logistics - ‘Salta Properties’ Altona Inland Port
Container Park
31 Definition of “turnover” affecting freight forwarders and customs
brokers
32 Industry group to facilitate generational shift on rail network
33 COVID-19: The Impact of Supply Chain disruption on Businesses
– The Way Forward
34 Post COVID-19 – Container Logistics Productivity & Information
Exchange Needs Boost
36 Out of the Health & Economic Crises
38 COVID-19 - Working towards a positive outcome
40
42
Switch bills – Are they worth the risk?
Interview - Mark Callus – Director, Customs Agency Trade Modernisation and a
44
Services (CAS)
Associated Customs and Forwarding (ACF) donation to frontline Bio-Secure border
medical staff
44 Bushfire recovery relief It is a tremendous credit to our Federal, State and Territory
45 FTA Keeping Members Informed governments who have successfully led Australia through the
46 Be Aware - Incoterms® 2020 Review COVID-19 health crisis minimising the loss of Australian lives.
47 Expanding trade a key player in Australia’s ultimate While international and local lockdown measures have had
economic recovery a significant adverse economic impact, we also need to be
48 Remote working – a new cyber security risk for businesses and grateful for the implementation of government financial relief
their employees. measures.
49 Why increasing the quality and availability of data is the best thing
we can do for long term supply-chain resilience We have also received overwhelmingly positive feedback
50 Diversifying, Pivoting and Collaborating from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak
52 Biosecurity wins and responding to the coronavirus pandemic Shippers Association (APSA) members in terms of our
53 Australian Biosecurity Awards 2020 advocacy activities enabling a level of business continuity
55 Future thinking and future proofing. during this time. The myriad of achievements to date were
56 Business research improves risk detection in shipping containers only possible through genuine engagement with the National
57 High cost of cigarettes failing to discourage smokers COVID-19 Coordination Commission, Australian Border
58 BorderWise: access comprehensive customs information from a Force, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment,
single window Treasury, Australian Taxation Office and state-based freight
60 Importing and exporting personal protective equipment – authorities.
not as simple as it seems
62 Imports of Undenatured Ethyl Alcohol of an ABV of 80% or greater Despite the best efforts of all, there have been unavoidable
for use in manufacturing hand sanitiser in Australia. impacts caused by the downturn in trade. In extreme cases,
63 Is Australia’s anti-dumping system causing more harm than good? some businesses have been forced into administration. Many
64 Australian Trusted Trader – partnering with you other members have been left with little alternative but to make
66 COVID-19. The perfect time to E.A.O redundancies, force staff to use leave entitlements and / or
reduce days’ of work.
Across Borders is published by As we ease out of restrictions, FTA / APSA has established
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) an advocacy plan aimed at a sustained paradigm shift in
68 Brooker Avenue
government priorities in favour of shippers and logistics
providers.
Beacon Hill NSW 2100
T: 02 99751878 At a personal level, I very much look forward to joining industry
E: info@FTAlliance.com.au leaders and the Hon David Littleproud (Minister for Agriculture,
Drought and Emergency Management / Deputy Leader of the
www.FTAlliance.com.au National Party) as member of the Biosecurity Futures advisory
group. Giving an insight into trade modernisation and a Bio-
Editor - John Park
secure border, a special note of appreciation is also extended
T: 0415 973 630
E: jpark@FTAlliance.com.au to the Minister for his foreword in this Winter 2020 edition of
Across Borders.
Advertising - Paul Zalai
T: 0408 280 123
E: pzalai@FTAlliance.com.au
By PAUL ZALAI, Co-founder and Director,
Design - Siren Design Studio
Front cover – T: 0412 103 569
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)
sponsored by Port of Melbourne E: sarah@sirendesignstudio.com.au
Winter 2020 I Across Borders I 1
FOREWORD
Food Security amid
COVID-19
By the Hon. DAVID LITTLEPROUD, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management
Maintaining Australia’s food security is We’re grateful to our farmers and all who The Department of Agriculture, Water and
one of the Government’s top priorities work across the food supply chain to the Environment has placed dedicated
ensure our food security even in times of people within its import assessment,
and it’s a key part of our $320 billion
crisis, and we will continue to back our bookings and inspection functions to
of measures to deal with the economic farmers and fishers to ensure they have enable critical supplies to be cleared faster
impacts of COVID-19. the support they need during and after the without deviating from our strict biosecurity
pandemic. and imported food controls. This has been
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken developed through close consultations with
Australia and the world by surprise. The Australian Government has changed
visa arrangements to allow Pacific seasonal the major retailers as part of the Australian
Coming after severe drought and the Government’s Supermarkets Taskforce.
bushfires earlier this year concerns have workers, working holiday makers and a
been raised about Australian food security. range of other visa holders to continue Maintaining productivity in our agricultural
These concerns are understandable, but working (with strict health and hygiene and fisheries sectors is one of our
misplaced. protocols) to maintain food security government’s top priorities, and we will
through COVID-19. There are about continue to explore ways to provide further
We know the importance of our agriculture 100,000 working holiday makers and assistance. We can take great comfort that
sectors. Feeding our nation is an essential 8,000 Pacific Island workers in Australia. this lucky country produces enough food
service. We want to ensure high-quality
The Australian Government is also working to guarantee we will continue to enjoy the
produce can reach domestic and overseas
closely with supermarkets and their best produced products anywhere in the
markets.
brokers to fast-track border clearance of world.
Australia is one of the most food secure imported groceries during the COVID-19
countries in the world, for several reasons. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on
crisis.
We consistently produce far more than everyone, but we will continue to back our
we consume. This means we can also Uncertainties around the impacts of agriculture and seafood sectors and ensure
contribute to the food security of other COVID-19 triggered a sudden increase in Australians and the globe can continue
nations through exports. We export 70 per purchasing by consumers of a range of to enjoy our clean, green and sustainable
cent of our agricultural production. items, resulting in disruption to stocks of produce. The government’s $110 million
some basic food items in supermarkets. International Freight Assistance Mechanism
According to the Australian Bureau of This disruption is not an indication of is one of the initiatives to help exporters
Agricultural and Resource Economics food shortages. Rather, it is a result of get their high-value produce into key
the seasonal outlook for autumn 2020 is logistics taking time to adapt to the large overseas markets during this crisis.
positive, providing the basis of a recovery unexpected surge in purchasing.
in Australian crop production and allowing In March I announced Mark Tucker as our
for rebuilding of sheep flocks and cattle These impacts are already abating, while Senior Agriculture Industry Engagement
herds. Australia’s sophisticated supply chains are Officer to be the key liaison between my
rapidly adapting. State-imposed border department and agriculture, fisheries
shutdowns will not affect agricultural and forestry stakeholders affected by
supply chains. The trucks carrying food COVID-19.
and produce will continue to get through
to the shops. Feed, hay, fertiliser and other Mark has already been busy working with
agriculture products will continue being Commonwealth Departments and State
delivered to farms. Governments to ensure agriculture industry
perspectives inform our decision-making.
We do not produce everything we like The position will give us regular status
to eat however, and imports account for updates on key issues in this sector and
around 11 per cent of food consumption it’ll help us respond exactly where we need
by value or 16 per cent of household to.
consumption. These imports provide
access to manufactured food and I thank our farmers and all those
beverages, different varieties of some working across the food supply chain
items, and out of season fresh produce. for performing a great service to the
Streamlining the import processes for community to ensure our food security
items such as frozen processed foods remains as strong as ever. It’s the
will help ensure supermarkets remain fully agriculture sector that will lead our
stocked. recovery.
2 I Winter 2020 I Across Borders
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EXECUTIVE REPORT
Australian Peak Shippers Association -
Report from the Chair
$300M+ stevedore charges annually paid by
Australian shippers
By SEAN RICHARDS, APSA Chair / Executive General Manager - Visy Logistics
I am delighted to advise a decision Environment stated “This decision has
from the Australian Peak Shippers also been made in consideration of the
ongoing impacts of drought, bushfires
Association (APSA) Committee of and COVID-19 on the Australian
Management to maintain our low economy and the rapidly changing
membership fees again for the 2020 / global trade environment.”
2021 financial year. This is a tremendous start in what
needs to be a sustained paradigm shift
in government priorities in favour of
shippers. It is the efficient movement
of goods that will lead our economic
The status report recovery and generate national wealth,
not the welfare of shipping lines or
highlights a infrastructure owners.
combination of These are sentiments that FTA /
APSA shared with the Hon Michael
increased competition McCormack (Deputy Prime Minister and
with a greatly reduced Minister for Infrastructure, Transport
and Regional Development) in our
client base as being submission titled STATUS REPORT -
CONTAINER STEVEDORE IMPOSITION
the catalyst for a OF TERMINAL ACCESS CHARGES
We trust that this decision will assist
restructure in stevedore exporters in the current economic crisis Terminal Access Charges
whilst maintaining essential funding of
terminal pricing. our secretariat, advocacy and member The status report highlights a
support services. combination of increased competition
with a greatly reduced client base as
Government response to supply being the catalyst for a restructure in
chain costs stevedore terminal pricing.
In line with our advocacy addressing Specifically, the addition of a third
“cash flow” relief measures for shippers major container stevedore in Sydney,
during the current COVID-19 crisis, Melbourne and Brisbane in recent years
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the has added competition at a time when
Australian Peak Shippers Association the number of clients, international
(APSA) welcome the announcement from shipping lines, has significantly
the Department of Agriculture, Water reduced due to consolidation and
and the Environment that the somewhat increased utilisation of vessel sharing
controversial Onshore Biosecurity Levy arrangements.
(previously referred to as the “Biosecurity
We understand that this has resulted
Import Levy”) will not proceed.
in stevedores reducing the prices they
In a federal government media statement charge shipping lines to attract and
released 20 May 2020, the Department retain business. That lost revenue
of Agriculture, Water and the appears to have been the rationale for
4 I Winter 2020 I Across Borders
STEVEDORE PORT EXPORT IMPORT EFFECTIVE Constance and the NSW Productivity
Commissioner and remain hopeful of
Flinders Adelaide Container Adelaide $28.96 $28.96 4-Mar-19 action from their review.
Terminal
Unlike other states that would require
Australian Amalgamated Terminals Brisbane $38.70 $38.70 8-Nov-18 new legislative provisions for intervention,
(AAT)
NSW has at their disposal the Ports and
DP World Australia Brisbane $79.50 $109.50 1-May-20 Maritime Administration Act Schedule 4
that provides a broad sweeping power
Hutchison Ports Brisbane $50.00 $50.00 19-Aug-19
to allow the Minister to regulate these
Patrick Brisbane $82.50 $114.50 9-Mar-20 charges without limitation.
DP World Australia Fremantle $45.00 $45.00 1-Jan-20 FEDERAL - FTA / APSA acknowledges
Patrick Fremantle $25.00 $50.00 9-Mar-20 suggestions by some state government
representatives of a statutory monitoring
DP World Australia Melbourne $79.50 $125.00 1-May-20 process to oversee further price increases
Patrick Melbourne $82.50 $125.80 9-Mar-20 but does not see this as an appropriate
long-term solution.
Victoria International Container Melbourne $121.80 $121.80 1-Jan-20
Terminal (VICT) Existing Terminal Access Charges are
already excessive with incremental
DP World Australia Sydney $79.50 $112.10 8-May-20
increases on this base to continue
Hutchison Ports Sydney $63.11 $63.11 18-Nov-19 the devastating impacts on Australian
Patrick Sydney $82.50 $114.50 9-Mar-20
shippers.
All businesses face a dilemma of how to
deal with unavoidable costs such as rent,
stevedores recovering costs via landside As reported in the Autumn 2020 edition
infrastructure, labour and power. Those
Infrastructure Surcharges (now more of Across Borders, FTA / APSA has
same businesses are then forced to either
appropriately referred to as “Terminal also provided a detailed submission in absorb costs or pass them on to their
Access Charges”), an unregulated charge response to the ACCC Discussion paper commercial clients. Similarly, the position
for access to international container Proposed Class Exemption for Ocean from FTA / APSA remains that stevedores
terminals. Liner Shipping noting that the Line should either absorb operating costs
While not suggesting that there is any market consolidation plus the emergence or pass these on to their commercial
collusion amongst Australian stevedores, of stevedore-imposed Infrastructure client. Shipping lines then have the
it is clearly a case of ‘follow the leader’ Surcharges has resulted in supply chain choice to absorb costs or pass these
with each introducing a similar fee and costs rapidly increasing, exposing onto exporters, importers and freight
taking turns to ratchet up the pricing. significant deficiencies in the effectiveness forwarders through negotiated freight
of Part X of the Competition and rates and associated charges.
Direct costs to shippers
Consumer Act in being able to achieve
The status report also incorporates a basic shipper protections. One of the We look forward to our meeting with
review completed by FTA / APSA of the Deputy PM whereby we will be
nine recommendations from FTA / APSA
Terminal Access Charges for the 2019 recommending:
is to mandate incorporation of stevedore
calendar year using container number fees within shipping line contracts, • regulation to protect transport
sources from the various Port Authorities negating stevedore-imposed Infrastructure operators and shippers by forcing
with charges averaged across the
Surcharges administered on the transport stevedores to cease the practice of
stevedore-imposed fees. This exercise
sector. administering a Terminal Access Charge;
identified in excess of $300m per annum
and
are paid by shippers via this mechanism. VIC – Feedback from Freight Victoria and
the Minister’s office indicates they are • stevedores should be given
Government response
cautiously heading towards some form of appropriate notice to adjust commercial
The following is a general summary of regulation. modelling allowing negotiations of charges
responses received by FTA / APSA to date back to shipping lines.
from government: QLD – Disappointing, initial engagement
with the Hon Mark Bailey (Minister This outcome would allow market forces
ACCC – The ACCC’s focus has been on for Transport and Main Roads) and to take effect. An open and competitive
establishing a misuse of market power environment will determine appropriate
the Director-General Department of
case noting there has to be a substantial price for services without the need
Transport and Main Roads suggests that
lessening of competition as a result of the for further government monitoring or
stevedoring services are not regulated by
conduct of a business with substantial intervention.
market power. The ACCC claim that the state
they have not received evidence to date WA – The office of Alannah MacTiernan
that would meet this threshold. The (Minister for Ports) is actively engaging
ACCC is finding it difficult to draw strong with FTA / APSA and appear to genuinely
conclusions from the data they receive appreciate concerns raised.
from their monitoring functions about how
much of the cost burden should fall to the NSW – FTA / APSA has had regular
landside versus seaside. engagement with the Hon Andrew
Winter 2020 I Across Borders I 5
EXECUTIVE REPORT
COVID-19 Advocacy Response by
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the
Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA)
By PAUL ZALAI, Director & Co-Founder FTA, Secretariat, APSA
Exporters, importers, freight forwarders terminal operators and freight forwarders
and customs brokers will need to to support the sector that was being
decimated with passenger flights rapidly
facilitate trade to help Australia recover
winding up.
from the economic damage local and
FTA / APSA established a COVID-19 AIR
international lockdowns have caused. CARGO BULLETIN BOARD to support
Importantly, the Australian federal forwarders to build capacity to charter
and state governments will need to aircraft. The bulletin board service
collaborate with industry to establish expanded over time with utilisation by
airlines and government as the primary
and agree a recovery agenda that
central portal of air cargo information.
prioritises investments, programmes
More was needed to complement these
and strategies that facilitate shippers’ initiatives, that led to FTA/APSA advocating John Park (Head of Business Operations,
activities. for Federal Government funding to support FTA/APSA) interviewed by the ABC on 9
traders of perishable goods reliant on air March 2020 “COVID-19 impacts on trade”
The following commentary traces the cargo to export to global markets. On the
FTA/APSA phase 1 COVID-19 crisis evening of 31 March 2020, contact was operating performance and take many
management activities (March to May 2020) made by the advisor to the Senator the small and medium businesses over the
and looks ahead at the phase 2 trade Hon Simon Birmingham (Minister for Trade, $50 million turnover threshold outlined for
recovery in the coming months and years. Tourism and Investment) who advised FTA/ the eligibility for Cash Flow Boost (and also
APSA that $110m in airfreight support jeopardising some members’ eligibility to
initiatives was to be provided to keep JobKeeper).
COVID-19 PHASE 1 - CRISIS supply lines open for airfreight during the After extensive engagement with ATO
MANAGEMENT COVID-19 crisis. executives, we received formal advice on
ESSENTIAL SERVICES CASH FLOW 11 May 2020 that the statutory import
charges that are passed on as an “agent”
If you cast your mind back to early The economic crisis translated to delays are not deemed as a supply made by the
March, we heard about the potential of a in payments of services throughout the
freight forwarder / customs brokerage and
“lockdown”. This was of significant concern supply chain. Focus turned to the need to
is not included in turnover. The result being
as we did not know what it meant in real make up front payments of statutory import
eligibility for many members providing a
terms. charges before goods can be released from
level of welcomed financial relief.
FTA / APSA quickly commenced a customs’ control and the potential threat
of congestion at our airports, ports and MEDIA
comprehensive campaign with ministers
and government departments advocating depots. Complementing use of our webinars, daily
for the entire international supply chain, As a direct result of FTA / APSA advocacy notices and weekly report, FTA / APSA
including all parties from the importer and to Treasury, the Australian Border Force commenced a regular (initially weekly)
exporter through to the border (specific (ABF) and the Australian Taxation Office CORONAVIRUS TRADE REPORT collating
reference to freight forwarders and (ATO), the Deferred GST arrangement was intelligence and commentaries from local /
customs brokers) be treated as essential streamlined to turnaround applications overseas members and affiliations. Advice
services. Furthermore, in an environment (from up to 30 days down to as little as 3/4 received from the office of the Deputy
whereby our population was required to days) with significant uptake by importers Prime Minister is that government regards
“self-isolate”, we highlighted that “last-mile” prior to the 30 April quarter cut-off. The this report as the most accurate and
deliveries by couriers and Australia Post, ABF also developed solutions for duty detailed reference source, a sentiment
facilitated through e-commerce, would deferral (beyond the existing Australian echoed by members and other industry
need to play an essential role. Trusted Trader arrangements) to be stakeholders.
deployed on a needs’ basis.
Our approach was recognised in the FTA / APSA has also been at the forefront
Transport and Infrastructure Council In parallel, FTA / APSA wrote to the of trade and mainstream media providing
Communiqué endorsed by all National, Commissioner of Taxation on 20 April detailed commentaries on key issues
State and Territory Transport Ministers on 2020 requesting a determination under aligned to advocacy strategies:
25 March 2020 that affirmed the critical role subparagraph 5(1)(d)(ii) of the Boosting
of trade and logistics. Cash Flow for Employers (Coronavirus
Economic Response Package) Act 2020 COVID PHASE 2 – TRADE RECOVERY
AIR FREIGHT
noting that many freight forwarder /
BORDER AND BIOSECURITY
Once we had a level of comfort that our customs brokerages make large payments
members would be able to maintain of Duty, GST and Import Processing In recognition of FTA / APSA status as the
business continuity, our attention turned to Charges on behalf of importers. These peak industry body representing shippers’
airfreight. FTA engaged with airlines, cargo significant disbursements distort true interests, I have been privileged to be
6 I Winter 2020 I Across Borders
recently appointed to two executive boards: Exemption for Ocean Liner Shipping – the
Biosecurity Futures chaired by the Hon David submission is featured on the FTA/ APSA
Littleproud (Minister for Agriculture); and web site’s home page.
the Customs Advisory Board chaired by Mr SUPPLY CHAIN
Michael Outram OAM (ABF Commissioner).
FTA / APSA position remains that a statutory
Through these forums, I will work monitoring process to oversee further
collaboratively with government and industry price increases of stevedore-imposed
leaders to make a positive contribution to Infrastructure Surcharges is not the answer.
a trade modernisation agenda, including a Existing prices are already excessive.
renewed focus on a “Bio-secure border”. Incremental increases on this base would
Trade digitisation and automation, cargo continue the devastating impacts on
tracking, cost recovery and service 28 February 2020 Australian trade. Our regulators need to
Discussion Paper - Proposed Class protect shippers by forcing stevedores to
performance measurement will undoubtedly
Exemption for Ocean Liner Shipping cease this practice. Stevedores should
be at the forefront of reforms.
Submission to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) on behalf
be given appropriate notice to allow
SHIPPING of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Associations
negotiations of charges with shipping lines.
FTA / APSA will continue advocacy for this
FTA / APSA notes a commentary in
outcome that would allow market forces
The Loadstar, in which the CEO of to take effect. An open and competitive
SeaIntelligence Consulting declared that environment will determine appropriate price
during the COVID-19 crisis, the shipping for services without the need for further
industry had entered “a new competitive government monitoring or intervention.
landscape” in which the era of “all savings
FINAL SAY
and more” being passed on to shippers
was over. He added: “In the three months In an Australian context, shipping line A continued focus of the FTA / APSA
impacted by the virus, demand has dropped, market consolidation plus the emergence advocacy will be for a paradigm shift in
in some cases 20%-30%, and the oil price of stevedore-imposed Infrastructure priorities in favour of shippers. It is the
Surcharges has resulted in supply chain efficient movement of goods that will lead
has dropped 60%-70%, yet freight rates are
costs rapidly increasing, exposing significant our economic recovery and generate
unchanged.” “This is a very clear example
deficiencies in the effectiveness of existing national wealth, not the welfare of carriers
of what you can do when you have a much
competition law in being able to achieve or infrastructure owners. We look forward to
more consolidated industry”. government respecting and prioritising the
basic shipper protections. In response, FTA
It may well reflect a mood in the shipping / APSA provided a detailed submission needs of shippers.
industry, bolstered by the renewal of the to the Australian Competition and
EU Consortia Block Exemption Regulation Consumer Commission (ACCC), including
(CBER), that higher rates (or as they call it 9 recommendations for reform, in response
‘price stability’) are available in the future. to the discussion paper Proposed Class
Winter 2020 I Across Borders I 7
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Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is the peak industry body representing the international trade and logistics
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FTA also holds the Secretariat role for the Australian Peak priorities to ensure the efficient movement of goods leading
Shippers Association (APSA) representing the interest of to Australia’s economic recovery and generation of national
Australian exporters and working closely with other peak wealth.
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A strong alliance is vital to ensure that our voice continues to
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assist businesses with operational matters. FTA Individual or Premium Members - A$22.66
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LEGAL SUPPORT – FTA supplies 30 minutes free legal CargoWise One user & FTA Individual or Premium
support per issue from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Members - FREE
TERMS & CONDITIONS – Exclusive to FTA members, for the
one off payment of $825 (incl GST) receive a clear, concise BorderWise + Pro Pack
and legally robust set of trading terms and conditions designed includes the WCO HS (HSEN) notes & related content
specifically for customs brokers and forwarders; a template
credit application; a template director’s guarantee; a letter of Standard - A$113.30 (incl GST)
authority; a template letter to use when providing the new terms CargoWise One user - A$67.98 (incl GST)
to a client; a letter to you from Hunt & Hunt explaining how to Premium Members - A$56.65 (incl GST)
use the pack of documents; updates to the documents due to CargoWise One user & FTA Individual or Premium
legal developments. Members - A$33.99 (incl GST)
INSURANCE SUPPORT – FTA supplies free insurance review
& support from Logical Insurance Brokers BorderWise Global Entry
Comprises all WCO (HSEN) notes and related content &
WORKPLACE / HR CONSULTANCY – FTA supplies hotline
global libraries for other countries - content is published in
support via Employsure
English and will later include translations for non-English
BORDERWISE – FTA has a partnership arrangement with countries.
WiseTech Global delivering significant discounts on the
Standard - US$206
benchmark tool used by trade professionals to manage trade
CargoWise One User - US$103
compliance.
FTA Individual or Premium Members - US$103
BRANDING – FTA provides members with access to its logo for use on stationery, email signatures & web sites.
DIRECTORY – FTA provides members’ details on a directory listing increasing access to new markets
Membership forms are available at the JOIN THE ALLIANCE tab from the FTA website at www.FTAlliance.com.au
For further detail, please contact us on 02 99751878 or info@FTAlliance.com.auEXECUTIVE REPORT
eLearning:
a pathway to advancing
your potential
By BILL MURPHY, Head of Operations for WiseTech Academy
The new reality of remote working This rapid transition has left some really sure if things will ever go back to
brings an opportunity to take companies unprepared. The office of filing exactly how they were before.
cabinets containing documentation on
advantage of eLearning resources customers and their shipments, and face-
But we still have work to do. We still need
to upskill and advance your to onboard our staff, we need to keep our
to-face meetings, is no more. Onboarding
skills sharp, and we need to learn new
workforce’s potential. and training of new staff members now
skills. How do we do that in the current
has added layers of complexity – how do
you introduce them to an industry they environment? If COVID-19 has taught
might not be familiar with? us anything, it is that we need to take
advantage of the opportunities available
The impact of COVID-19 on our daily While for most of us working from home to us using the online tools we have on
lives has been significant, on a personal is our new reality, it does come with hand.
and business level. None of us could challenges. People that are used to
have imagined we would be in a global communicating in person and exchanging One of the opportunities of this new
pandemic situation. With a focus on paper documents are now entering the normal is turning the time saved on
ensuring community health and safety, digital world of online meetings and file- commuting to and from the office into
many businesses have implemented sharing applications. We’ve been forced learning time. A very popular online
remote working for their employees. into a new way of working and aren’t learning company that is ‘linked’ to a
10 I Winter 2020 I Across Bordersbusiness social network site has reported that the time spent
completing online courses has tripled since before the start of
lockdowns in January. More people are using online learning to
develop new skills and sharpen their existing ones.
The same applies for industry-specific learning. Do you and your
staff want to deep dive into specific topics? The supply chain
industry, after all, is very complex and can differ from country
The WiseTech Academy is currently offering free
to country. This has never been more evident as the industry access to some of its most current courses. This
grapples with customs regulation changes due to COVID-19. We access is for a limited time and is for Freight
all have questions that need some answers! and Trade Alliance (FTA) members who are also
WiseTech Academy is at the forefront of providing high quality CargoWise users. CW users should login to the
eLearning to the supply chain logistics industry with a range My Account page and navigate to the WiseTech
of nationally recognised courses and intensive short courses.
Academy icon on that page.
A government accredited Registered Training Organisation,
WiseTech Academy provides relevant and timely industry training.
Want a deep dive into Incoterms® 2020? We’ve got it. Need an Introduction to global supply chain security
intro to supply chain maths? You’re covered. Want to hear about The understanding of international security conventions,
the export controls for personal protective equipment? We have policies, and regulations are paramount to the mitigation
a short course for you. and risk management in relation to security and safety
With a range of courses from foundation to nationally recognised in international freight forwarding and the greater supply
programs, you can complete your learning for a fraction of chain.
comparable course fees. And because we believe in supporting This course is the first of five micro courses in this series
the industry with quality resources, our foundation courses are designed for an operator with a logistics, international
free! forwarding or brokerage business seeking information
Providing relevant, high quality courses is our priority. We listen about international security programs.
and respond to the needs of the industry, frequently meeting
with industry experts and operators to discuss where the gaps
in education exist, then develop courseware to fill those gaps. All Incoterms® 2020 Introduction
WiseTech Academy courses are written by experienced industry On 1 January 2020, the International Chamber of
operators, reviewed by third party subject matter experts, and Commerce updated the Incoterms rules in response to
designed and produced by our experienced teams, ensuring changing trade practices, publishing Incoterms® 2020 to
consistently high quality. provide greater clarity in negotiations between international
Not only is WiseTech Academy providing critical education for buyers and sellers.
the supply chain and logistics sector, but we are also bringing a This course is the first of three micro courses in the
vision to life. It’s no secret that WiseTech Global’s CEO, Richard Incoterms series and explains how the 2020 terms should
White, has a passion for education, particularly enabling people’s be applied in international trade.
knowledge in the technology and supply chain industries.
WiseTech Academy is bringing that vision to life by providing
high-quality education to the industry and creating an entry point The basics of air cargo forwarding
for new starters. Air cargo operations are a major component of the world’s
While technology is becoming a popular career path for young export and import transportation services and continue to
people, logistics is often not considered. Teenagers are no grow at rates exceeding any other transportation mode.
strangers to online shopping, but they rarely think of how the This micro course covers the basics of air cargo forwarding
products they buy online arrive to their door. and is an excellent introduction to the topic.
The career path portal on WiseTech Academy’s website provides This micro course is the first of six micro courses in this
information for young people wanting to know more about life series that includes courses on a range of topics including
in the supply chain logistics sector. Featuring videos of young air cargo aircraft and ULDs, air freight consolidation,
individuals who are forging careers in the industry, they tell air freight documentation and air cargo rates and
stories about starting out in the industry, their successes, and classifications.
what they love about their work right now. Each story is different,
but they all agree that the industry is fast-paced and exciting for
young people with drive and ambition. TGA imports during the COVID-19 pandemic
If you’re ready to advance your potential by providing yourself or The requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Administration
your staff with some high-quality education, check out WiseTech (TGA) have not been a strong focus or seen as a major
Academy and contact us! training requirement until now as there has been only a
limited number of players in this field and they are both very
experienced and aware of their legal obligations. This is not
About WiseTech Academy now the case.
Established in 2018, WiseTech Academy is a wholly owned subsidiary of WiseTech Global.
The Academy was established to offer accessible, affordable, online learning to the people
This micro course provides an overview of the Therapeutic
who work in or with global supply chains. And to provide deep understanding of why Goods Act requirements for urgent arrivals as a
and how the industry operates as it does, and how it could be made more effective and consequence of COVID-19. It is one of two micro courses
efficient. Our mission is to advance human potential by providing easy and affordable
access to high quality online education, and in turn, enabling a strong and progressive in our COVID-19 series.
sector for the global supply chain industry.
For more information about WiseTech Academy, please visit https://wisetech.academy
Winter 2020 I Across Borders I 11EXECUTIVE REPORT
Keeping supplies moving during
COVID-19 and beyond
By NEV POWER, Chair – National COVID-19 Coordination Commission
Who are we? What’s next?
The Prime Minister announced the The Commission The Prime Minister has agreed a three-
establishment of the National COVID-19 step plan and a national framework to
Coordination Commission (NCCC) on 25 has two key roles: to achieve a COVID-safe economy and
March 2020. Our role is to coordinate
advice to government on actions to
help minimise and society.
anticipate and mitigate the economic and mitigate the impact The Commission is encouraging all
Australian businesses to reconfigure and
social impacts of the global COVID-19
pandemic. of the COVID-19 on adjust and come up with a COVID-safe
plan. All businesses will need to be able
We have five Commissioners engaging jobs and businesses, to reassure their staff and customers that
with specific sectors relevant to their
expertise, to manage immediate issues and to facilitate the they are managing the risk of coronavirus.
and to help position them for recovery.
Our role is to provide a channel for
fastest possible We have created an online planning
tool to help business develop a plan
business, industry and the not-for-profit recovery of lives and to keep their workers, customers and
sector to raise issues with government the community safe as they reopen
or connect with other groups to find livelihoods. or increase their activities. The tool
solutions. Paul Little, the former complements the Safe Work Australia
managing director of Toll Holdings, variety of issues. I received invaluable online hub, which remains the definitive
is leading the Commission’s work on advice and recommendations from source of information for businesses to
transport, logistics and supply chains. the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and understand their work health and safety
The impact of COVID-19 is significant, Australian Peak Shippers Association obligations. I recommend all FTA and
and it will take business, government and (APSA) on behalf of its 380 members. APSA members take advantage of these
all of us working together to recover. We resources.
The Commission has worked closely with
have engaged with more than a thousand government and industry stakeholders We are currently identifying a set of
stakeholders in the business, industry to overcome and, as far as possible, priorities aimed at supporting a quick
and not-for-profit sectors and received implement solutions to the concerns return to economic activity and growth.
countless insights and offers of support. raised by FTA and APSA. For example, As part of this work Paul Little has been
What’s our progress to date? we’ve helped navigate transport looking at the disruptions in supply
restrictions and restrictions at ports. chains and opportunities for investment in
During the initial stages of the crisis, we
We also supported the establishment transport infrastructure.
worked with industry and the government
to address supply chain issues, including of the International Freight Assistance It’s been heartening to see the community
food and grocery supplies, particularly in Mechanism, which ensures high-value spirit, commercial camaraderie and
regional and remote areas. Australian agricultural exports reach ingenuity in this sector’s response to
recovering markets, with the inward COVID-19.
We responded to requests for assistance
return journeys bringing back vital
to unlock resources, break through The role that you all play – as importers,
medical supplies and equipment. The
bottlenecks and fix problems, and exporters, stevedores, air cargo terminal
mechanism has committed to support
engaged with stakeholders on a wide and transport operators, licensed depots,
more than 500 flights to the Middle East,
Asia and the USA, transporting Australian physical handlers of cargo, freight
seafood, dairy and pork. forwarders and customs brokers – has
been and will continue to be essential to
There has been a lot of work on Australia’s prosperity.
supermarket supply chains to get food
supplies into the regions and remote Thank you for ensuring that goods
communities, and we’ve connected continue to flow onto Australian shelves,
laid-off airline staff with work in the health letters and parcels continue to reach our
sector. post boxes, and Australian producers can
continue to export their goods.
The NCCC has also worked to bring in
essential personal protective equipment I look forward to working to support
from overseas, both through usual you in the recovery phase and thank
procurement channels and Andrew you for your enduring efforts during this
Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation. challenging time.
12 I Winter 2020 I Across BordersUnlock value
and reduce
inefficiency.
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Winter 2020 I Across Borders I 13SHIPPING REFORMS
Future-proofing South
Australia’s port and
freight infrastructure
By STEWART LAMMIN, Chief Executive Officer - Flinders Port Holdings
At the start of 2020 Flinders Port Holdings and the state of South Australia were gearing up for a crucial year in
infrastructure planning and development. The State’s infrastructure body, Infrastructure SA, were due to publish
South Australia’s first state-wide 20-year infrastructure strategy, while we at Flinders Port Holdings would be
completing the company’s 50-year masterplan. But quickly, priorities changed. The onset of the COVID-19
pandemic forced businesses and governments alike to pause long-term planning and instead focus on the now.
In the intervening months we have process. Around $25 billion worth of trade business, and our port and terminal
implemented a group wide COVID-19 is moved across Flinders Ports precincts services, we are building an offering that
response plan, which to date, has each year, the equivalent of 24% of State will enable businesses to drastically reduce
enabled all our operations to continue. GSP. We are proud of the role we play in the costs and complexities involved in
That does not mean we haven’t been keeping trade moving in the state and we importing and exporting.
impacted. Across our business, from are acutely aware of the responsibility it
Clearly, the next 12 months represents a
office based commercial roles through to brings. We are a capital hungry business,
challenging business environment. But, the
our operational staff working at our ports, but we have confidence in the future of our
ports, freight, and shipping industry has
container terminal and logistics facilities, State, and we will continue to invest in our
shown remarkable resilience. As a sector
we have had to adapt. business as we have done over the past
we have stayed open and operational and
two decades.
The decision to send 70 employees to ensured vital goods have continued to
the safety of their homes was relatively Our priorities over the coming year are reach their destinations. We believe this
easy and straight forward. The complex two-fold. First, we must ensure we will continue, while the transition out of
piece was the management of more than continue to provide a seamless and COVID-19 also represents an opportunity
600 employees whose workplace is the consistent service to our customers to reassess embedded business practices.
various outdoor operational sites including within the ‘new normal’ of an operating Last month we pushed ahead with
the container terminal, Berth 29 mineral environment where COVID-19 has abated the publication of our first group-wide
precinct in Port Adelaide and at the seven but not disappeared. We have already sustainability plan, setting ambitious
ports we operate. The process of ensuring rolled-out ongoing operational guidelines goals across environmental, social, and
business and operational continuity while, across the business focussed on keeping governance work streams. Rather than
most importantly, maintaining the health staff safe and operations open, even if being a sign to halt, we strongly believed
and safety of our people was a major transmissions do resurface. the current pandemic is further proof of
undertaking. Plus, this had to be managed the need to push ahead with projects such
But in parallel to this, we are also
against a backdrop of public safety as sustainability and master-planning.
determined for the new normal not
scrutiny on our industry and particularly Both processes will help future-proof our
to stall the ambitious goal we have
the management of ships’ crews and business and ensure we remain ready to
of strengthening and expanding our
passengers coming into our various ports. deal with any external impacts we may
position not only as a port operator but
This is a challenge that will resonate face. With this in mind, we are confident
as an end-to-end supply chain partner
among our colleagues across Australia’s about the future and about our ability to
for our customers. Over the last year
ports, shipping, and logistics industry. deliver for the state and for our customers.
we have expanded our logistics offering
But as we transition back out of lockdown by launching Flinders Warehousing and
measures, we remain positive about the Distribution (FWD). Located adjacent
future. As a state, South Australia has dealt to our facilities at the Flinders Adelaide
well with the pandemic and is well placed Container Terminal, FWD specialises in
to return to business. The fact that the providing tailored supply chain solutions
20-year infrastructure strategy was indeed including warehousing and transport, while
published this May is a sign of intent by the the capacity to also provide customs and
state, one we fully support. For Flinders quarantine at the same site should also
Port Holdings, we are also looking to the be finalised within the coming months.
future as we continue our master-planning Coupled with our dedicated logistics
14 I Winter 2020 I Across BordersSouth Australia’s
leading port owner,
operator, and
logistics specialist.
flindersportholdings.com.au
Flinders Adelaide Flinders Flinders Warehousing Flinders
Container Terminal Logistics & Distribution PortsSHIPPING REFORMS
New shipment signals new
opportunities for the Hunter
For the first time since 2013, a roll- committed to helping the region to grow Höegh Autoliners’ Australian Sales
on roll-off (ro-ro) vessel is scheduled and get people back on their feet as the Manager, Nicky Colaço, said a regular
recovery begins,” Mr Carmody said. service to Port of Newcastle would support
to call at Port of Newcastle with a its regional NSW and Hunter Valley based
commercial cargo. “There are thousands of people newly out
customers.
of work and all of us need to look at ways
we can create more jobs, more investment “With the capability to berth at the Port
The 200-metre Triton Ace – an impressive
and a better economy than the one we of Newcastle, it will not only help the
white and blue ‘floating car park’ capable
started this crisis with. company expand its shipping routes but
of carrying up to 6500 cars – stopped in
also offer customers in the agriculture,
Newcastle on Friday May 8. “This is a small but important first step
mining and construction industry an
– the Port is open to any new trade
The shipment – the first of two ro-ro calls in alternate option to bring cargo closer to its
opportunities.”
two months – comes as the Port continues destination,” Mr Colaço said.
to diversify trade and provide more The Port’s Acting Executive Manager
Port of Newcastle has enlisted the services
competitive supply chain alternatives for Business Development, Matthew Swan,
of veteran shipping consultant Richard
Australia’s importers and exporters. welcomed the partnership with Höegh
Bailey, from Loch and Quay Consulting, to
Autoliners and other supply chain partners.
Triton Ace will deliver a number of large engage with industry and inform the Port’s
pieces of mining machinery headed for “Together we are challenging the status planning and design as it seeks to diversify
customers in the local area. quo and enabling freight to reach the final trade and support emerging markets.
destination quicker, cheaper and more
Ro-ro ships are loaded and unloaded “It is such an exciting time for Port of
efficiently,” Mr Swan said.
using ramps, enabling cars, trucks, heavy Newcastle, which is in the unique position
machinery and farming equipment to “It makes sense for equipment heading of being able to plan for a suitable port
quickly move on and off the ship. to our region, whether the Central Coast, landscape at a time when technology in
Hunter Valley or agricultural customers vehicles, equipment, and the supply chain
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody further afield in regional NSW, to come via is evolving rapidly,” Mr Bailey said.
said the organisation was looking at ways Newcastle and reduce unnecessary truck
to help stimulate the local economy as the “Investment and planning now will ensure
movements.”
region worked towards economic recovery the Port emerges as a serious participant
and more diverse income streams. Höegh Autoliners is growing its Australian in this vital supply chain into the future.”
service and contributing to lower supply
“A lot of local businesses are doing things chain costs and the avoidance of obstacles The next ro-ro vessel, Hoegh Trove, is due
pretty tough at the moment. We are to the freight of ro-ro cargo in the country. at Port of Newcastle on Sunday 12 July.
Höegh Autoliners’ service to Australia has two routings;
one originating in Europe and calling South Africa and
the Indian Ocean Islands before ending in Oceania.
And the second routing sailing via the US and the
Caribbean Islands on its west bound passage from
Europe to Oceania. Cargo loaded in Australia is usually
transhipped in Japan, China or Korea and destined for
Europe, Africa and the Americas. Höegh Autoliners’ also
delivered on consignment the first light rail carriage to
Newcastle in 2018.
16 I Winter 2020 I Across BordersYou can also read
