THE IFCBAA National Conference 2023 was a platform for vibrant discussion and some tough questions from the industry.
The annual International Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia event was held on the Gold Coast on 19 and 20 May.
In line with the theme of “facing the future together”, government and industry representatives engaged in constructive dialogue around the progress and deficiencies.
Welcoming delegates, IFCBAA chair Adam Butler described freight forwarders and customs brokers as the engine room of the international trading space.
“There are very smart people in our industry and very smart people in government, and when we get together, great things will happen,” he said.
Minister for agriculture, forestry and fisheries Murray Watt delivered an address that was particularly timely following the recent release of the federal budget, which outlined an increase in biosecurity funding.
“I recognise that you and your organisations do have a key role in our biosecurity ecosystem,” Mr Watt said.
“The disruption that we saw with Covid, the impact of growing … threats are having impacts at our borders and in terms of our cargo clearances.
“Some of the work that were doing with your organisations and that extra funding will hopefully go some way to addressing some of those problems.”
Another highlight from day one of the conference was a presentation from ABF deputy commissioner, national operations Tim Fitzgerald and deputy commissioner, regional operations Vanessa Holben.
Other program highlights were a ports update panel, a discussion on drones in freight forwarding, outcomes of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australia’s maritime logistics system and an ocean cargo forum.
DCN will include a full roundup of the IFCBAA National Conference 2023 in the upcoming June magazine edition.
