Grain Trade Australia (GTA) has joined the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) in a growing alliance of peak industry bodies focussed on reform to international shipping supply chains.

Pat O’Shannassy, Chief Executive Officer GTA states dramatically increased containerised landside charges, ongoing disruptions to supply chain operations and lack of predictability in vessel scheduling are causing significantly increased costs for grain shippers.

“It is increasingly difficult for our members to remain commercially viable in these current operational conditions. We look forward to working alongside our peers across other trade commodities in constructive dialogue with government, regulators and commerce to improve processes across our international trade supply chains.”

Paul Zalai, Director FTA and Secretariat APSA has welcomed GTA into a growing alliance of peak industry bodies that already includes the Australian International Movers Association, Australian Council of Wool Exporters & Processors, Australian Meat Industry Council, Australian Dairy Products Federation, Australian Steel Association and Tyre Stewardship Australia.

Zalai sees a need to expand the collective voice of peak industry bodies as being an important approach to maintain momentum in achieving much needed reform, especially important with the Federal Government yet to respond to the Productivity Commission’s final report on Australia’s Maritime Logistics Systems.

“Together we now have an opportunity to make a real difference to address the need for shipping competition reform, the winding back of stevedore and empty container park terminal access charges, regulation of container detention practices, biosecurity process review, minimum service levels and to drive key infrastructure investment”.

“A well-regulated economy will help Australia to prosper. Australia has world class manufacturers and producers who are supported by skilled customs brokers and freight forwarders ready to take advantage of the opportunities created by free trade agreements and trade liberalisation measures. These opportunities will not be fully realised while physical access to market and costs of trade are prohibitive” Zalai says.