Supply chain challenges highlighted at APSA AGM

KEY issues affecting the domestic supply chain have been highlighted at the annual meeting of the Australian Peak Shippers Association 35^th annual meeting in Melbourne.

Members came together in what APSA secretariat Paul Zalai said was “a strong demonstration of industry coming together to address practical issues”.

The meeting featured what organisers said was “a strong turnout of members, industry representatives and government stakeholders”.

The meeting featured key discussions on:

• Federal government-led Productivity Roundtable forums, covering border and biosecurity reform, logistics challenges and updates on major infrastructure developments and policy reforms shaping the sector.
• Rapidly increasing stevedore and empty container park fees highlighting the importance of collaboration and strong advocacy on behalf of exporters, importers and logistics providers, including the voluntary protocols now established under the National Transport Commission.
• Shortage of twenty-foot and food-quality containers, a fundamental barrier to supporting agricultural exports.
• Technology solutions, including the recently launched TradeWindow Certificate of Origin offering and an agreement in principle to progress broader documentation services via WiseTech Global.

Mr Zalai said a highlight was a presentation by Intermodal Terminal Company, an APSA member and event sponsor, outlining progress on the Somerton Intermodal Terminal, due to open in October.

Also speaking was Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne who provided valuable insights into the recently launched Victorian Freight Plan.

Ms Horne also addressed efforts at a national level to tackle escalating landside charges, noting agreement to progress reforms at the upcoming national meeting of transport ministers.

Ms Horne said she has been actively engaging with senior federal colleagues, including Infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King, assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino, and assistant productivity minister Andrew Leigh.

The AGM also confirmed the re-election of the APSA Board:

• Chair: Olga Harriton (Manildra Group)
• Vice-chair: Brian Thorpe (Visy Procurement)
• Treasurer: Billy Davies (Australian Meat Industry Council)
• Committee of Management: Flaminio Dondina (Casella Family Brands), Sarah Granger (Fletcher International Exports), Brian Wright (Australian International Movers Association), Michael Brittain (AGT Foods Australia), Mark Christmas (QMAG)
• Secretariat: Paul Zalai (Freight & Trade Alliance – FTA)

Mr Zalai said the AGM was “a strong demonstration of industry coming together to address practical issues”.

“The shortage of appropriate container equipment is hitting our agricultural exporters hard and APSA will continue to lead national advocacy to ensure our members can compete on the world stage,” he said.

“We will maintain and build on strong government relations and will adopt partnered vendor solutions to deliver further efficiencies for our members.”