Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) continues to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) both through official forums and importantly, via focussed bilateral meetings.
On the back of member feedback from our recent Sydney and Melbourne Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events for licensed customs brokers, Paul Zalai [Director FTA and Secretariat for the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA)] and I yesterday met with senior departmental executives expressing concerns regarding significant (and ongoing) biosecurity inspection delays.
We emphasised the significance of these delays that are significantly adding inefficiencies and costs to importers on top of sustained high freight rates, surcharges, Terminal Access Charges and container detention fees.
Amongst the causes identified, the department highlighted that similar to most industries, recruitment and retention of biosecurity staff is an ongoing challenge; and
it was noted that minimal industry uptake / benefit is being derived from the Biosecurity Portal and virtual visual label inspections for eligible imported surveillance food.
While reforms will continue and industry uptake will take effect, the reality is that extensive delays can be expected for the foreseeable future.
Whilst not the ideal option, coming at an additional expense and perhaps at times outside regular importer operating hours, the department is committed to continue to support over-time, including weekends noting that this option is currently largely under utilised.
We encourage members to utilise these options and we seek your feedback on their operational viability and / or your experience in accessing these options.
In the interim, we are pleased to advise that the department has also agreed to issuing another formal Import Industry Advice Notice to elaborate on the above.
Updated information on these developments and an a further opportunity to have your say will be provided during the 90 minute Biosecurity session at our upcoming CPD events.
Tony Vinson (Head of International Freight & Logistics) and I look forward to meeting fellow licensed customs brokers at next weeks Brisbane CPD event (15 June 2022 - Brisbane Airport Conference Centre) with Paul Zalai to join John Park (Head of Business Operations) at our Perth CPD event (25 June 2022 - Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront).
Sal Milici - Head of Border & Biosecurity, FTA / APSA
