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Posted by David Sexton
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13 May, 2026
AN ALLOCATION of $47.1m for the so-called maritime single window was among the highlights in the 2026-27 budget for shipping and logistics.
The maritime single window is a digital reporting platform aimed at simplifying the exchange of mandatory information between industry and government agencies, while supporting the long-term digitalisation of the shipping industry.
Shipping Australia chief executive Melwyn Noronha welcomed the single window announcement.
“It is pleasing to see that funds have been allocated to the long-awaited and, indeed, overdue Maritime Single Window, which if and when implemented will be beneficial to improving government and process efficiency,” Captain Noronha said.
Chief executive of the Australian Logistics Council Hermione Parsons said the budget’s reference to the need to strengthen supply chains was important and positive.
“Freight transport and freight logistics are not peripheral to Australia’s resilience. They are central to it,” Dr Parsons said.
She said the budget’s recognition of supply chains was welcome.
The budget included several measures relevant to the industry, including a $1bn Economic Resilience Program via the National Reconstruction Fund to support manufacturing and logistics businesses in critical supply chains, fuel excise relief, and the temporary reduction of the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero.
The ALC also noted the $55m Transport Resilience and Capacity Kickstart pilot program, intended to support more freight movement by rail and cargo ships, and the establishment of a $3.2bn Australian Fuel Security Reserve to support long-term fuel supply and storage, with fuel reserves intended to increase to 50 days.
“Fuel security is a national priority, but it cannot be considered only through the lens of supply and storage,” Dr Parsons said.
“That is why measures that support freight movement, freight rail utilisation and coastal shipping are important.”
The budget also confirmed an additional $1.75bn targeted investment in the national rail freight network, increasing the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Network Investment Program to almost $2.8bn.
Dr Parsons said the investment should help improve the productivity, resilience and reliability of the existing freight rail network.
“Freight rail has a critical role in national resilience, particularly when diesel supply, road congestion and long-distance freight movement are under pressure,” she said.
The ALC also welcomed the budget’s productivity focus.
The budget also includes measures relevant to workforce, low-carbon liquid fuels, cyber security, maritime reporting, freight data and transport network modelling, including $85.2 million for faster skills assessments for migrant trades workers, $1.1bn via the Cleaner Fuels Program, $1.9 million for the National Freight Data Hub and $4.5 million for CSIRO’s Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool.
Meanwhile NFF Horticulture Council chair Jolyon Burnett said the budget reflected several long-standing advocacy priorities, including important wins on tax settings, investment certainty, and supply chain resilience.
“Last night’s budget includes a number of practical measures that will help ease pressure on farm businesses and strengthen Australia’s food and fibre supply chains,” Mr Burnett said.
