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IN THIS ISSUE

ALC FORUM P3

ALC AdvOCACy P6

Road Safety Remuneration Bill P6

Editorial by Michael Kilgariff, Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill P7

ALC presents at APEC Workshop in Thailand P8

Marine Safety P9

FEdERAL P9

Government Consults on Tax Reforms for Shipping Industry P9

Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Australia and India P10

NTC calls for comment on proposal to streamline rail fatigue regulations and increase safety P10

ALC 2012 Yearbook P11

STATES P11

Improving Safety in Road Freight Industry a WorkCover Priority P11

Port Botany Trade Continues to Rise P11

WA Government announces improvements to ports P12

Port Bonython Granted Major Development Status P12

Port Licence Fee Update P12

INdUSTRy INFO P13

Woolworths recognises suppliers’ concerns P13

Re-appointment of Anthony Albanese P13

AIRFREIgHT STATS CHARTS P14

REgISTRATIONS FOR THE WOMEN MOvINg FORWARd PROgRAM 2012 NOW OPEN! P15

NEW BITRE PUBLICATIONS P15

ALC ACTIvITy P15

NEWSLETTER >> MARCH 2012 >> ISSUE 02

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ALC/DIT Dialogue a great success

‘About ALC‘–The Australian Logistics Council represents the major and national companies participating in the Australian freight transport and logistics supply chain.

Our mission is to influence national transport and infrastructure regulation and policy to ensure Australia has safe, secure, efficient, sustainable and internationally competitive supply chains.

The Australian Logistics Council members and associate members are major companies, associations, government agencies and organisations participating in the Australian freight transport and logistics supply chain. To view a list of our members see last page.

The second Australian Logistics Council / department of Infrastructure and Transport (dIT) dialogue was held on Thursday 23 February 2012 and involved approximately 40 senior executives from industry and government. The dialogue brought together key senior people from industry and government to work through issues of substance on the current national agenda.

Discussions broadly ranged across the Department’s work in infrastructure and investment, national transport regulation and industry productivity and included:

» Boosting private sector investment in infrastructure

» Supporting national freight productivity at ports

» Finalising national regulation reforms for a January 2013 commencement

» Chain of responsibility and the role of industry driven codes to drive safety in the industry

» the need for a national in-vehicle telematics policy

» the Government’s shipping package

» The Council of Australian Government’s Road Reform Plan

Participants enjoyed rigorous dialogue on various policies and issues facing the industry. A key action from the dialogue was agreement for ALC to be consulted on the development of nation building network strategies to ensure the needs of freight receive appropriate consideration in the planning process.

ALC will use outcomes from the Dialogue to inform the development of its revised strategic plan, and to underpin future industry discussions at the upcoming ALC Forum on 28-30 March.

We look forward to continuing to run these Dialogue events in the future with the Department to keep the link between the logistics industry and government both strong and prosperous.

See page 2 for photos from the ALC/DIT Dialogue

MANAgINg dIRECTOR’S UPdATE

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CLICk HERE TO vIEW MORE PHOTOS

ALC/dIT dIALOgUE 2012 PHOTOS

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ALC FORUM

Leaders from the freight and logistics industry will provide delegates attending the ALC Forum 2012 with an ideal scene setter when they discuss and debate the critical success factors underpinning Australia’s future competitiveness in the global supply chain.

Brian Kruger, Managing Director of the Toll Group will be one of a number of senior industry executives taking part in the anticipated CEO Panel Session.

“Toll operates in 55 countries and employs nearly 40,000 people across the globe, and so we are keenly aware of the importance of and potential benefits from Australia strengthening its position in the region,” Mr Kruger said.

Brookfield Rail Chief Executive Officer, Paul Larsen, said he looked forward to discussing at the Forum the economic benefits from creating more efficient supply chains in Australia’s west.

“Brookfield Rail plays a vital role protecting and growing Western Australia’s economy, carrying around $20 billion of freight, including around $10 billion exports annually,” Mr Larsen said.

“These freight volumes are expected to double within the next five years through rapid expansion in the resources sector and continuing growth in interstate freight, which highlights the need for industry and government to work more closely together to ensure we can meet this large and growing freight task.”

Positioning Australia in the Global Supply Chain

Another speaker at the session, Lance Hockridge, QR National Managing Director and CEO, said Australia’s international competitiveness would be boosted by improving regulatory and policy settings that in turn would encourage long-term infrastructure investment.

The provision of national infrastructure to meet this growing freight task is sure to be one of the hot topics to be discussed during the CEO Session, underscoring the involvement of John Fullerton, Chief Executive of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

“As the national freight task grows so too will the demands on rail to facilitate that growth. This is particularly relevant on Australia’s east coast where ARTC is investing nearly $3 billion between Melbourne and Brisbane to make the corridor more competitive and deliver reliable services to our customers,” Mr Fullerton said.

“There is more to be done and future intermodal terminal capacity in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane is critical to sustaining growth on Rail along this vital corridor.

Other industry leaders who will speak at the CEO Forum are John Fullerton, CEO Australian Rail Track Corporation; Lisa Brock, Executive Manager, Qantas Freight; Stephen Cleary, Chief Executive Officer, Star

Track Express; and Mike Mrdak, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

To view the full programCLICk HERE

John Fullerton, CEO, Australian Rail Track Corporation

Lance Hockridge, Managing Director & CEO, QR National

Paul Larseon, CEO, Brookfield Rail

Brian Kruger, Managing Director, Toll Group

<insert full flyer and program>

www.alcforum2012.com

You are invited to attend Australia’s pre-eminent freight logistics event, ALC Forum 2012, to influence and participate in the national debate on logistics infrastructure, regulation, productivity and safety.

ALC is pleased to announce it has confirmed the list of speakers for the ALC Forum 2012 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 28 – 30 March, 2012.

Industry leaders will gather at the ALC Forum 2012 over two big days to discuss what needs to be done to make sure Australia can cope with the future logistics challenges, given estimates that the annual freight task of 500 billion tonne kilometres will double by 2030 and triple by 2050. Government figures also show that productivity growth in the transport sector has effectively stalled, with an increase of only 0.6 percent per annum in the five years to June 2011.

Speakers include the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, who has welcomed the Forum’s high level focus. The NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, Duncan Gay, will also speak at the Forum about the NSW Government’s approach to transport and logistics.

The Ministers will join an array of senior industry leaders speaking at the Forum, including Brian Kruger, Managing Director – Toll Group; Lance Hockridge, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – QR National; and Stephen Cleary, Chief Executive Officer – Star Track Express Pty Limited.

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities There are many attractive and high value sponsorship, exhibition and advertising opportunities available to maximise your presence. To book now and for enquiries please contact Drew Whait, Sponsorship & Exhibition Account Manager at sponsorship@arinex.com.au or on +61 2 9265 0700.

Further Information ALC Forum 2012 Managersarinex pty limited GPO Box 128, Sydney NSW 2001 Australia

T +61 2 9265 0700 F +61 2 9267 5443E alcforum2012@arinex.com.au W www.alcforum2012.com

Australian Logistics CouncilT +61 2 6273 0755 E admin@austlogistics.com.auW www.austlogistics.com.au

Delegate Lounge Sponsor

Program Book Sponsor

SCF Group

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Hospitality Sponsor

SmartTrans

Notepad & Pen Sponsor

REGISTER NOW!

The interactive style of the Forum will allow attendees to challenge and debate the key issues confronting the industry, including:

• The national transport reforms, which are estimated to be worth $30 billion to Australia’s economy

• Whether Australia has the road, rail and port infrastructure in place to meet growing levels of demand

• The critical role Australia’s ports and shipping play positioning Australia in a globalised market

• The steps that need to be taken to make intermodal freight work more efficiency and effectively

• Making our industry safer through a national approach to Chain of Responsibility

Bronze SponsorsCONFIRMED SPONSORS

Forum Dinner & Lanyard Sponsor

Official ProgramWEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2012

18.00 – 19.00

Welcome Reception, Exhibition Area, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth – Proudly sponsored by Star Track Express

THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2012Time Session Speaker

09.00 Welcome Don Telford, Chairman – Australian Logistics Council

09.05 Opening AddressSession Chair: Don Telford, Chairman – Australian Logistics Council

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

09.30 Session 1: An Internationally Competitive Australian Freight Network – the right infrastructure in the right place at the right timeSession Chair: Andrew Ethell, Deputy Chairman – Australian Logistics Council and GM Group Corporate Affairs – Toll Group

Michael Deegan, CEO – Infrastructure Australia; Maurice James, Managing Director – Qube Logistics; Les Wielinga, Director General – NSW Department of Transport

10.30 Morning Tea in the Exhibition area – Proudly sponsored by SmartTrans Limited

10.45 Facilitated Plenary Session: Positioning Australia in the Global Supply ChainSession ChairPhil Ruthven, Chairman – IBISWorld

John Fullerton, Chief Executive – Australian Rail Track Corporation; Paul Larsen, Chief Executive Officer – Brookfield Rail; Mike Mrdak, CEO – Dept of Infrastructure & Transport; Lisa Brock, Executive Manager Freight – Qantas Freight; Lance Hockridge, MD & CEO – QR National Limited; Stephen Cleary, CEO – Star Track Express Pty Limited; Brian Kruger, MD – Toll Group

12.45 Lunch in the Exhibition area – Proudly sponsored by SmartTrans Limited

13.30 Guest SpeakerSession Chair: Michael Kilgariff, MD – Australian Logistics Council

Phil Ruthven, Chairman – IBISWorld“The Global Economy – The Impact of International Supply Chains on Australia”

14.00 Session 2: National Transport ReformSession Chair: Michael Kilgariff, MD – Australian Logistics Council

Nick Dimopoulos, CEO – National Transport Commission; Julie Bullas, Project Director – National Rail Safety Regulator; Richard Hancock, Project Director – National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

15.00 Afternoon Tea in the Exhibition area – Proudly sponsored by SmartTrans Limited

15.30 Session 3: Australian Ports and Shipping in an International MarketSession Chair: Ian Murray AM, Deputy Chairman – Australian Logistics Council and CEO – Australian Institute of Export

Paddy Crumlin – National Secretary of MUA and President of the International Transport Workers Federation; Nicolaj Noes, MD – Maersk Australia Pty Ltd.; Grant Gilfillan, CEO – Sydney Ports Corporation; Port Operator/Stevedore TBA

17.00 Close Day 1 of Forum Ian Murray AM, Deputy Chairman – Australian Logistics Council

19.00 ALC Forum Annual Dinner – Proudly sponsored by Isuzu Trucks The Hon. Tim Fischer AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia “LOBBYING HARD FOR HOLISTIC LOGISTICS !”

FRIDAY 30 MARCH 201209.00 Welcome Michael Kilgariff, CEO – Australian Logistics Council

09.05 Guest SpeakerSession Chair: Tania Whyte, President Commercial – Linfox Logistics

The Hon Duncan Gay MLC, NSW Minister for Roads and Ports

0930 Session 4: Making Intermodal Freight WorkSession Chair: Tania Whyte, President Commercial – Linfox Logistics

Ken Lewsey, EVP & CEO – QR National Freight; Chris Keast, Director – Pacific National Rail, Asciano; Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib AM, CSC, Commander Joint Logistics, Joint Logistics Command – Department of Defence; Paul Ebsworth, Divisional Director – Toll Domestic Forwarding Division

10.30 Morning Tea in the Exhibition area

11:00 Keynote SpeakerSession Chair: Ingilby Dickson, GM Supply Chain – BlueScope Steel

David Irwin, Director Pacific National Coal “Lessons from the Hunter Valley Coal Supply Chain”

11.30 Session 5: Chain of ResponsibilitySession Chair: Ingilby Dickson, GM Supply Chain – BlueScope Steel

Bruce Herbert, Supply Chain Director – Coca-Cola Amatil (Australia) Pty Ltd; Conor O’Malley, GM, Logistics – Coles; George Bearzot, Logistics Director, Beer Wine Spirits – Lion Co; Maurice Baroni, Partner – Clayton Utz; Penny Winn, Director Multi-Channel – Woolworths Ltd

13.00 Lunch in the Exhibition area

13.45 Session 6: Linking Australia to the International Logistics IndustrySession Chair: Lisa Brock, Executive Manager Freight – Qantas

Paul H. Graham, CEO – Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain; Paul Coutts, Group Products, Marketing and Sales Director – Toll Global Forwarding; Prem Ramchandran GM Logistics – Schenker Australia Pty Ltd

15.30 Afternoon Tea in the Exhibition area

16.00 Session 7: Smarter Supply Chains – the role of Information and Communications Technology in improving supply chainsSession Chair: Michael Haines, Chair – ALC ICT Working Group

Garry Bowditch, CEO – SMART Infrastructure Facility; Chris Koniditsiotis, CEO – Transport Certification Australia; Dr Ben Guy, MD – Urban Circus; Maria Palazzolo, Chief Executive Officer – GS1 Australia; Dr Glen Geers, Technology Director, Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics – NICTA; Charlie MacDonald, National GM –  Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics – Telstra

17.00 Close Don Telford, Chairman – Australian Logistics Council

Register Now at www.alcforum2012.com

P6

ALC AdvOCACy

Road Safety Remuneration Bill

Members of the House of Representatives debated the Road Safety Remuneration Bill this week, with MPs from both sides of parliament speaking on the Bill.

Opposition Transport Spokesman, Warren Truss argued strongly against the bill, claiming the proposed Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal would do nothing to improve safety in the heavy vehicle industry. Mr Truss cited the ALC submission on the draft bill, agreeing with the ALC assessment that one of the Bill’s flaws is that it inserts command/control regulation in areas where other laws require the application of “As Low as Reasonably Practicable” risk-management principles.

To coincide with the debate, ALC published an open editorial on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill (see below) which queries the efficacy of the Bill and its ability to lead to real road safety outcomes. The editorial also queried why the Government was rushing the Bill through parliament and debating it before the official committee report.

The debate follows last month’s public hearings into the Road Safety Remuneration Bill at which Michael Kilgariff, ALC Managing Director appeared as a witness.

In his statement Mr Kilgariff told the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications that the proposed Road Safety Remuneration Bill would not improve safety or increase productivity in the heavy vehicle sector, and would only add another layer of unnecessary regulation that will impede industry efforts to improve safety and productivity levels which have flat lined in recent years. ALC tabled the latest figures from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) which showed a downward trend in the number of fatalities involving heavy trucks. The report reveals fatal crashes involving heavy rigid trucks decreased by 12 per cent over the last year, and by 14 percent over the three years to June 2011.

Mr Kilgariff also stressed to the committee the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator should be given responsibility for the safety matters proposed under the bill:

Mr Kilgariff:….In our view, if there were to be changes made to the heavy vehicle national law that is currently being developed, we believe that safety issues that are proposed to be covered by this law should be picked up by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. Let us amend the heavy vehicle national law to pick up the elements of safety that you are hoping to drive through the industry so that it is done through the heavy vehicle national law, not through this commonwealth law that

will then to some degree conflict with what we are trying to achieve in the heavy vehicle national law (House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications, Public hearing into the Road Safety Remuneration Bill, Wednesday 15 February 2012).

ALC believes if the Bill is to proceed, it should be substantially amended to satisfy a number of industry concerns. These amendments include:

» restricting the work of the Tribunal to remuneration matters and ensuring research is subject to stakeholder review

» requiring the Tribunal to explain why workplace health and safety or heavy vehicle laws are insufficient

» ensuring the bill only covers remuneration issues relating to long distance operations

» requiring the Tribunal to provide reasons why an existing instrument (including a modern award under Fair Work Australia) does not adequately cover the subject matter of an Order.

This week the Bill wasn’t voted upon before the adjournment of the House and the debate has been adjourned until 13 March 2012.

CLICk HERE

to view a summary of the ALC position on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill.

CLICk HERE

to listen to an interview ALC also conducted with ABC’s AM Program on the issue of ‘Safe Rates’.

P7

ALC AdvOCACy CONTINUEd

Before the Government made seat belts mandatory in 1970, policy makers were able to draw upon the results of more than 20 international studies that had carefully examined the initiative’s likely safety benefits. Similar levels of research have accompanied the introduction of drink driving laws and speed limits, not to mention new safety requirements for vehicles.

Having this evidence available is a critical step in the policy making process, as it helps to ensure laws are appropriately tailored to the conditions and designed in such a way that will achieve their intended result. And having a body of evidence builds public confidence in new ideas and policy proposals, as evidenced now by the public’s acceptance of seat belts, drink driving and speeding.

It is this sort of evidence that encouraged all governments and industry to invest years of time and resources into the creation of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, as well as national marine and rail safety regulators, all of which are due to commence in January 2013. It’s a much needed reform in the context of sagging productivity levels in the transport sector, which, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,

increased by only 0.6 percent per annum in the five years to June 2011.

It is of great concern therefore that this ‘evidence based’ approach to policy making appears to have been abandoned in the haste to pass the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011. This haste was on show in the Parliament today, where Members are currently debating the legislation despite the fact the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications has yet to finalise its report on the Bill.

ALC is concerned that the Government’s rushing of

the Bill through parliament will leave industry with a

fundamentally flawed piece of legislation.

The Bill establishes a Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal from 1 July 2012, which will be tasked with setting remuneration in the heavy vehicle industry. It is poor policy and will not achieve its aim of improving safety in the industry. Ultimately, it will stifle industry’s efforts to increase productivity levels, as it will limit their ability to run their businesses in a commercially efficient manner.

Making this ‘heavy-handed’ regulatory intervention even more puzzling to industry is that it is already subject to numerous regulations and legislation at both the federal and state level relating to safety.

These include a Heavy Vehicle National Law due to commence on 1 January 2013, (which will include national Chain of Responsibility provisions), Independent Contractor legislation and model Workplace Health and Safety legislation.

Of further concern is that the Transport Workers Union has played no constructive role alongside industry to craft and develop the Heavy Vehicle National Law to promote safety, efficiency and productivity in the heavy vehicle industry.

Instead the TWU has chosen to advocate the creation of a Tribunal, which would be empowered to make Road Safety Remuneration Orders which could override a Fair Work Australia Award, an enterprise agreement, or even a contractual agreement between two companies.

But according to the Regulatory Impact Statement attached to the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011, there is limited data demonstrating that drivers’ rates of pay is a factor in safety outcomes.

Unlike policies to introduce compulsory seat belts, speed limits and drink driving laws, there simply isn’t the research to support the implementation of such an excessive and unwarranted reform.

Editorial by Michael kilgariff, Managing director of the Australian Logistics Council on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill

CONTINUEd ON P6

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ALC AdvOCACy CONTINUEd

CONTINUEd FROM P6

Not only is it highly questionable whether a centralised wage setting system will actually achieve its intended aim of improving driver safety, it is also likely to restrict competiveness in the industry which is the last thing needed at this time of poor productivity levels.

What the legislation will achieve is a significant increase in the power of the TWU to limit the extent to which management will be able to make decisions in the best interests of the company, such as the use of Independent Contractors.

And it remains to be seen how the scheme can be implemented in practice when millions of trips are carried out each year across countless routes; in a range of conditions and in an array of vehicles carrying so many different loads.

ALC believes the scheme is unworkable in the long distance sector, because pay rates in the marketplace vary all the time, and there is no such thing as a “safe rate” at which safety applies. Furthermore, a company cannot know what a “safe rate” of pay is when a truck driver is carrying for more than one customer.

As an alternative, ALC believes the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator should be tasked with identifying ways to improve safety in the heavy vehicle industry which is in the interests of all Australians.

ALC presents at the Compendium of Best Practices and Benefits of National Logistics Associations in Selected APEC Economies.

In November 2010 at their meeting in Yokohama, Japan, APEC Leaders endorsed the Supply Chain Connectivity Framework which identified eight chokepoints in APEC supply chain connectivity. At their meeting in Hawaii in November 2011, APEC Leaders further endorsed the Framework Action Plan to address the eight chokepoints as a vehicle for economic integration. They also urged that initiatives be taken to achieve a 10 % efficiency gain in supply chain connectivity which would lift APEC’s real GDP by US$21 billion per year and generate thousands of jobs.

The APEC Supply Chain Connectivity Framework initiative aims to improve trade opportunities and strengthen regional economic integration by improving the flow of goods and services within the APEC region. The three elements in the Framework are eight “chokepoints”, the agreed actions to address these eight chokepoints and the overarching target of a 10% improvement to supply chain performance by 2015 in terms of time, cost and uncertainty.

ALC presents at APEC Workshop in Thailand

The objective of this project is to share information about established National Logistics Associations and to develop strategies for setting up National Logistics Associations in developing economies, as a result of conducting three workshops with delegates from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Australia, Thailand and Singapore.

ALC’s Managing Director Michael Kilgariff recently attended the Bangkok workshop where he presented on the ALC and discussed ways to assist developing economies to establish or enhance their own industry-based logistics associations, to work in partnership between government and industry. The project will enable Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to share information on measures to maximise benefits from the collaboration of government and industry on policies and regulations relating to transport logistics supply chain connectivity.

The project deliverables (including the presentations, reports and compendium) can be viewed on the APEC Transportation Working Group website: www.apec-tptwg.org.cn/ under Meetings.

P9

ALC AdvOCACy CONTINUEd

Marine Safety

ALC has provided feedback on the draft Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Bill 2012.

ALC noted in its submission that as the delegated agency model is proposed for the new maritime safety scheme, it is imperative that the text of any service level agreements between the national regulator and jurisdictional regulators appear on the national regulator’s website.

This is to ensure all interested parties know exactly what services are being delivered by jurisdictional regulators and the services the jurisdiction is expected to deliver.

ALC will continue to advocate in favour of transparency under the new regime.

CLICk HERE

To view the ALC submission

government Consults on Tax Reforms for Shipping Industry

The Federal Government is seeking industry feedback on the major elements of its package of reforms to the Australian shipping industry. The reforms include:

» an income tax exemption where Australian shipping operators will not pay any income tax on core shipping activities

» an accelerated rate of depreciation for ships so that they can be written off in ten years rather than the current average twenty years, including roll-over relief from income tax if a replacement ship is purchased

» a refundable tax offset for companies employing Australian seafarers on international voyages.

FEdERAL

ALC is currently seeking feedback from its members to inform the development of its response to the proposed reforms, including the extent to which Members utilise Single Voyage Permits, and how many permit applications they make each this. This is because under the draft law, shippers are now no longer allowed to apply for temporary licences (the SVP equivalent). ALC will also request an objective is added to the bill which supports the movement of cargo in an economically efficient manner. Exposure draft bills that will be administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/maritime/shipping_reform/ and Exposure draft bills containing the tax reforms can be found at www.treasury.gov.au.

Submissions on the exposure draft bills and accompanying exposure draft explanatory memorandums are sought by close of business on 5 March 2012 to facilitate the proposed commencement of the reforms on 1 July 2012.

P10

FEdERAL CONTINUEd

Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Australia and India

On 12 May 2011 Trade Minister Dr Craig Emerson and Dr Anand Sharma, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, announced the commencement of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) between Australia and India.

The decision to commence negotiations follows the release in May 2010 of a joint Australia-India Free Trade Agreement feasibility study. The coverage of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement would include trade in goods, trade in services, as well as investment.

As part of the Government’s ongoing public consultation process, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) conducted a series of consultations in relation to the Australia-India free trade agreement.

Interested stakeholders met with members of the DFAT Australia-India negotiating team during late February to provide input on specific market access barriers and other issues of importance in the Indian commercial operating environment, particularly with respect to trade in goods, services and investment.

CLICk HERE to find out more www.dfat.gov.au/fta/aifta/index.html

Industry is being urged to have their say on proposed options for the consistent national regulation of the management of fatigue risk in the rail industry under the new Rail Safety National Law to commence in 2013.

In December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a National Rail Safety Regulator to modernise Australia’s rail safety regulatory system, as part of a suite of reforms to enhance the productivity, safety and sustainability of our transport industry.

The Regulator will:

» Administer, audit and review the accreditation regime under national legislation

» Work with rail transport operators, rail safety workers and others involved in railway operations to improve rail safety in Australia

» Research, collect and publish information relating to rail safety

» Provide, or facilitate the provision of, advice, education and training in relation to rail safety

» Monitor, inspect, investigate and enforce compliance with the national legislation.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) recently released a draft regulatory impact statement for public comment, which outlines four options for regulating the hours of work and rest for rail safety workers.

The National Transport Commission and the National Rail Safety Regulator Project Office will conduct a series of consultation forums during March on the proposed options to further regulate the hours of work and rest for rail safety workers.

To view a copy of the regulatory impact statement and for more information, CLICk HERE

For more information about the National Rail Safety Regulator visit: www.nrsrproject.sa.gov.au.

NTC calls for comment on proposal to streamline rail fatigue regulations and increase safety

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STATES

NSW

Published by Executive Media Pty Ltd

430 William Street Melbourne Vic 3000

Ph: 03 9274 4200 Fax: 03 9329 5295

E: media@executivemedia.com.au

Future Freight Networks

Media Kit 2012

ALC 2012 yEARBOOk

Improving Safety in Road Freight Industry a WorkCover Priority

After being identified as one of the state’s highest risk industries, WorkCover NSW has commenced a new project to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses and improve injury management in the road freight transport industry.

The project is part of WorkCover’s new flagship work health and safety program, 10/5/5, which involves working with the NSW community to improve safety in the State’s 10 highest risk industries.

To find out more visit the WorkCover website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

The 2012 ALC Year Book is set to be a big one, reflecting the wide range of issues ALC has been involved in on behalf of its members over the past 12 months.

The Yearbook will be published in May and will be provided to leading industry and government stakeholders.

The publication will build upon the impressive standard that has been set by the previous year, providing information on:

» the key issues currently facing industry members

» the policies, priorities and projects of ALC

» the reasons for Australia’s social and economic dependence on the T&L sector; and

» a feature on the ALC’s Annual Forum 2012, themed Positioning Australia in the Global Supply Chain which will attract over 300 of the senior industry and government executives across two days.

To find out how to involve your company in Future Freight Networks 2012 have a look at the ALC Media Kit

CLICk HERE

or contact David Haratsis, Executive Media on david.haratsis@executivemedia.com.au or (03) 9274-4214.

ALC 2012 year Book ‘Future Freight networks’

Port Botany Trade Continues to Rise

ALC Member, Sydney Port Corporation has reported a continuing container trade increase through Port Botany reaching almost 176,100 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) in January 2012, up by 2 per cent on January 2011.

Sydney Ports CEO, Grant Gilfillan, said that the leading containerised exports for the month of January were cereals, machinery and transport equipment and chemicals.

“All up, these commodities represent over 31 per cent of total full exports,” he said.

“The key import commodities for January 2012 were miscellaneous manufactures, machinery and transport equipment and chemicals.

“Combined, these commodities represent over 57 per cent of total full containerised imports,” Mr Gilfillan said.

The majority of containerised imports were sourced from East Asia (44.6 per cent) and Europe (17.1 per cent), which combined accounted for almost 62 per cent of total container imports through Port Botany.

STATES CONTINUEd

P12

SA

WA government announces improvements to ports

Early last month the WA Government outlined its plans to undertake the biggest reform of the State’s ports in decades, to ensure the wealth generated by increasing commodity exports delivered greater benefits to the Western Australian community.

Under the plan, seven of the State’s eight port authorities will be consolidated into four regional port authorities to improve efficiency and reduce red tape.

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said the plan was developed after a comprehensive review of the governance of WA ports undertaken by the Liberal-National Government.

“The current port governance model has served the State well since it was introduced by the Court Coalition government in 1995, but the growing demand for WA commodities meant it was time to review this model to ensure we provide our ports with the most effective framework for the future,” Mr Barnett said.

“Since 2000, the value of WA’s merchandise exports has risen by more than 300 per cent - from $25.4billion to $112.2billion - and our share of merchandise exports increased from 26 per cent to 46 per cent of the nation’s total.

Under the new plan, 21 of the state’s ports will be overseen by four regional authorities which will include the Kimberley Ports Authority, comprising the ports of Broome, Derby, Wyndham, Cockatoo and Koolan islands, and the proposed port at James Price Point. Fremantle Port Authority remaining as a stand-alone entity.

The proposed deep sea port facility for Port Bonython has been declared a major development.

SA Infrastructure Minister Patrick Conlon said a rigorous environmental assessment process could now formally commence to progress a proposal to construct a privately funded, bulk commodities deep sea port facility at Port Bonython.

Mr Conlon went on to say that this proposal aims to further cement South Australia’s reputation in the mining sector, connecting the state to global iron ore markets.

Port Licence Fee Update

Further to ALC article in its last edition of Update on the Port Licence Fee (PLF), ALC has since been advised by member Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) that the Victorian Government passed the Port Management Amendment (Port of Melbourne Corporation Licence Fee) Bill 2011, on 28 February 2012.

Available on the PoMC website is the latest Information Paper which provides an update on the following aspects of the PLF’s introduction:

» the legislative process

» industry submissions

» timing of the final pricing decision

» collection of the PLF

Click on the following link to find out more www.portofmelbourne.com/shipping/tariffsandcharges.aspx.

The project, to be undertaken by ports consortium Spencer Gulf Ports Link (SGPL), proposes a three-kilometre jetty and conveyor system as part of a world-class iron ore export facility.

Estimated to cost between $600 and $700 million, the facility will provide a 25-kilometre rail line linking the proposed port to existing rail facilities.

The Major Development process is also recognised by the Commonwealth under its environmental protection and biodiversity conservation law.

Port Bonython granted Major development Status

VIC

WA

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INdUSTRy INFO

Woolworths has launched Speak Up, a new, externally hosted hotline – delivered by deloitte – for Woolworths suppliers to report trading concerns of a serious nature after standard procedures have been exhausted.

Issues, which can be reported anonymously, include fraud, corruption, threatening behaviour, people or product safety risks, theft, conflict of interest, bullying and harassment.

AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said industry welcomed Woolworths’ move to strengthen its complaint protocols and acknowledges there are serious problems facing food and grocery manufacturers and suppliers in dealing with major supermarkets.

“It’s encouraging that Woolworths has taken up the concerns of food and grocery manufacturers by acknowledging there are real problems facing suppliers, brought about by the fact that Australia and New Zealand have the highest levels of supermarket concentration in the world, creating a huge power imbalance between the major retailers and suppliers,” Ms Carnell said.

To view the full press release from AFGC

CLICk HERE

Re-appointment of Anthony Albanese

The re-appointment of Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, comes at a critical time for Australia’s freight transport and logistics industry, Michael kilgariff, ALC Managing director said this week.

“The key challenges before Mr Albanese and the Labor Government over the coming 12 months will be progressing a number of key reforms and seeing them through to their successful conclusion,” Mr Kilgariff said.

“The most notable of these is reducing the number of transport regulators from 23 to three and achieving for the first time national regulators for heavy vehicles, rail safety and marine safety.

“However, these regulators need to be properly resourced and have the “teeth” necessary to ensure the full economic benefits from this reform are realised.

“These benefits are estimated to be worth $30 billion to the national economy, so it is one of this government’s most significant economic reforms.

“With the three regulators due to come into effect in less than a year on 1 January 2013, there cannot be any loss of momentum so in that regard we welcome today’s announcement by the Prime Minister to re-appoint Mr Albanese to the role.”

Woolworths recognises

suppliers’ concerns

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AIRFREIGHT STATS CHARTS UPdATE - MARCH 2012

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ALC ACTIvITy

» Road Deaths Australia—January 2012 http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2012/RDA_0112.aspx

» Waterline 50 – November 2011 http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2011/water_050.aspx

» BITRE Road Construction and Maintenance Price Index – 2011 update http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2011/is_042.aspx

» Australian Sea Freight http://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2011/asf_2009_10.aspx

ALC Update is distributed monthly to over 3000 high profile members of the Australian freight Transport & Logistics industry.

ALC UPdATE AdvERTISINg » Full page $1100.00 » ½ page $600.00 » ¼ page $350.00 » Vertical banner $450.00 » Horizontal banner $450.00 » Front page horizontal $1000.00

All prices are exclusive of GST

PRESS RELEASES

‘Safe Rates Legislation More About Industrial Relations than Improving Road Safety’ – 2 March 2012

Australia’s Position in the Global Supply Chain to be Discussed by Industry Leaders – 29 February 2012

ALC Statement to House of Representatives Committee on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011 – 15 February 2012

Over 500 Billion Reasons to Attend the Australian Logistics Council Forum 2012 – 14 February 2012

The COAG Report Highlights Risks to Transport Reforms – 3 February 2012

ALC SPEECHES

Presentation made by Michael Kilgariff, Managing Director ALC, at the Compendium of Best Practices and Benefits of National Logistics Associations in Selected APEC Economies, Second Workshop Bankgkok 27 February – 2 March 2012

ALC SUBMISSIONS

Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Bill – 27 February 2012

ALC Summary Position on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011 – 9 February 2012

ALC Submission on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011 – 9 February 2012

MEdIA MENTIONS

‘No Middle Line on Truckie Pay’ - Australian Financial Review, 2 March 2012

Constitutional limitations on safe rates a ‘bureaucratic nightmare’ – Australasian Transport News, 16 Feb 2012

Truckies call for national laws to improve safety – ABC AM, 16 Feb 2012

Threat of dispute in pay plan for truckies – The Australian, 10 Feb 2012

Liberals Oppose Truckie Pay Rise – Australian Financial Review, 8 Feb 2012

NEW BITRE PUBLICATIONS

REgISTRATIONS FOR THE WOMEN MOvINg FORWARd PROgRAM 2012 NOW OPEN!

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILTA) Women Moving Forward program is now the most successful program of its type for Australian T&L and over 450 women have graduated to date.

It incorporates a high quality, self‐paced and cost effective mentoring program, targeting the retention and development of women. It identifies what women want in their personal and professional lives and helps get them there.

The eighteen week program is open for all women in T&L, undertaking any role, in any region, in any T&L company and covers twelve modules via a virtual mentor kit and seven facilitated teleconferences.

CILTA will be running two WMF programs in 2012. The first will start on 9 March and the second on 20 July.

Further information is available at www.cilta.com.au/Education.

MeMbers

AssociAte MeMbers

»» Agility»Logistics»» Allied»Express»» Australia»Post»» Australian»Air»Express»» Australian»Food»and»Grocery»Council»» Australian»Livestock»and»Rural»»

Transporters»Association»» BlueScope»Steel»» Broome»Port»Authority»» Cement»Australia»» Coca-Cola»Amatil»» Department»of»Defence

»» Department»of»Transport»NSW»» Department»of»Transport»and»»

Main»Roads»QLD»» GS1»Australia»Limited»» John»Swire»&»Sons»Pty»Ltd»» Metcash»Ltd»» OneSteel»» Origin»Energy»» PGA»(Management)»Pty»Ltd»» PNG»Ports»Corporation»Limited»» Port»of»Melbourne»Corporation»» Schenker»Australia»Pty»Ltd

FEBUARY 2012

PO Box 20 DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600 P:+61 2 6273 0755 F:+61 2 6273 3073 E: admin@austlogistics.com.au

www.austlogistics.com.au

HonorAry Fellows

Paul»Little»AO»–»February»2011

Peter»Gunn»–»February»2011

Ivan»Backman»–»May»2010

David»Williams»OAM»–»May»2010

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