Media Release: 13 December, 2019.

INDUSTRY ALLIANCE WELCOMES MINISTER’S TOUGH ACTION ON PORT FEE INCREASESAn Alliance of industry organisations Road Freight NSW (RFNSW), the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Western Roads Federation and the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Limited (CBFCA) has welcomed an announcement from NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance – ordering stevedores to stop any further increases in port access charges.

Just 10 days after meeting with the Alliance, where industry and business representatives outlined their concerns about the impact the unwarranted price hikes were having on transport operators and exporters, the Minister has intervened.

Minister Constance warned that ‘stevedores must act responsibly and immediately put a stop to any price hikes’ and said that it was ‘completely unacceptable for stevedores to increase their infrastructure levies anytime soon’.

The Minister also referred the stevedores’ ongoing port fee increases to the NSW Productivity Commissioner ‘to investigate the impact on the supply chain’.

Commenting on Minister’s Constance’s intervention, Alliance spokesman, Simon O’ Hara said: “This is great news for our Alliance and all our members, particularly in the lead-up to New Year, when we were all worried about yet another price rise at Port Botany.

“The Minister has acknowledged our concerns that these ongoing, unjustified charges are being passed through the supply chain, with the State’s consumers ultimately, to be paying more for their everyday goods.

“This will give transport operators and exporters a reprieve in the short-term and we look forward to the NSW Productivity Commission finally investigating the frequency of price increases in this uncontrolled and unregulated manner – and why there’s a lack of justification for stevedores continuing to prop-up their revenue base through these crippling charges.

“We commend Minister Constance for listening and acting on our concerns.”

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ABOUT ROAD FREIGHT NSW

Road Freight NSW began as ATA NSW in 1893. The organisation has developed to become a respected advocate for trucking operators, as a conduit to government, regulators and enforcement agencies. In 2015 the new name, Road Freight NSW, articulates our independent and authoritative viewpoint thanks to our respected executive leadership and the passion and expertise of members contributing to the Policy Council.

RFNSW media: 0411 254 390

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 business and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.

ATA media: 0417 211 441

ABOUT WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION

Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit. Regardless of whether it’s a courier car, a crane, a garbage truck or a road train, the issues are fundamentally the same. Improved productivity and safety through greater access, investment and recognition of the critical importance of roads to the economy.

Western Roads Federation media: 0481 064 371

ABOUT CUSTOMS BROKERS AND FORWARDERS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED

The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Limited (CBFCA) is Australia’s leading peak national body, which represents members interests in international trade logistics and supply chain management service provision. We are committed to being the voice for customs brokers, international freight forwarders and other associated groups concerned with international trade, representing and supporting our members in a difficult regulatory environment.

CBFCA media: 0414 635831