A number of our members have raised concerns over Australian Industry Group's 'Australian Ports: Discussion Paper'. Find Ports Australia's response below:
It is disappointing Australian Industry Group has released their ‘Australian Ports: Discussion Paper’ without first consulting the ports industry regarding their concerns.
The report is littered with inaccuracies and clearly represents a significant lack of understanding about ports and wider Australian and international maritime and logistics sectors.
It also fails to understand the close working relationship between Australian Ports and both State and Federal Governments on issues such as planning, infrastructure investment, environmental and biosecurity protection, border security and our strong nationwide involvement with locally based, community projects.
The report refers to the ‘chaos’ that occurred during the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as Australia experienced panic buying with people fearing they would be unable to obtain the necessities of life. It was during this time that the ports sector worked with every other link in the supply chain to restock supermarket shelves by enabling the rapid flow of goods across the country. The professionalism and experience of the logistics supply chain assisted in restoring calm and confidence to the Australian community and we have continued to do so throughout this crisis.
We look forward to meeting with Australian Industry Group to talk through their issues and provide them with a broader understanding of the Ports and Maritime sectors.
