A NEW Freight Industry Reference Panel has been created to help implement the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
The panel is to provide feedback and advice on annual progress and “act as a lever” to elicit more actions from all levels of government and industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack said the recent combination of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic had shown how important supply chains were to the lives of Australians.
“The National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, developed by all Australian governments with extensive input from industry, lays out a 20-year plan showing how governments and industry will work together to lift our freight networks’ performance,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The new panel will provide industry a clear line of sight on implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and annually report to Transport and Infrastructure Ministers its independent view on progress made.
“Considering the importance of the Panel in ratcheting up ambition on the Strategy, I am pleased the Panel has attracted individuals highly respected by government, industry and the community alike.”
The panel is:
- John Fullerton, Chair
- Nicole Lockwood
- Peter Garske
- Brett Charlton
- Sophie Finemore
According to the Deputy PM’s office, members were selected to ensure a mix of experience across freight and supply chains, as well as reflect geographical spread.
Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher said they supported “any strengthening of ties between industry and government as we partner in tackling Australia’s freight and supply chain challenges”.
“We look forward to sharing our membership’s wealth of operational knowledge with the Panel to deepen its understanding of ports and their role in enhancing Australia’s supply chain efficiency,” Mr Gallacher said.
