CBFCA South Australian President Update (SANF 2015/012)

It has been an exciting time over the last few months being the CBFCA South Australian President taking after Jessica Rankin, who had done a fantastic job representing members in SA.  I thought what could be a better than to share the experience and information with you.

Department of Agriculture (the Department) - Cost Recovery Redesign and Implementation

Earlier in July, the Department released a Draft Cost Recovery Implementation Statements aiming to “improve the transparency and consistency of how fees and levies are applied”.

The CBFCA submission to the Department does not share this view and in relation to the fees and levies that are to be applied from November 2015, no key performance indicators link back to any fee or levy.

A key issue of cost recovery for Approved Arrangements appears out of context with what was the key driver in relation to, in particular, Compliance Agreements (NCCC, AEPCOMM) with licensed customs brokers. It appears totally unequitable than holders of multiple Approved Arrangement (including QAPs) will pay the same annual fee as to a single Approved Arrangement holder. Any incentive which was available will no longer exist for small to medium enterprises and the initial flat annual fee of $3000 to hold a compliance agreement is a disincentive for those who make effort to comply with biosecurity regulations.

The CBFCA perceives that this Approved Arrangement cost recovery and change in practice is a significant backward step.

We have been and will continue to work with the Department addressing cost recovery issues and keep you informed of any further developments.

Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS)

A reminder that lodgement of documents in the national mailbox is expected to be discontinued in the near future and the Department encourage you to use the COLS system as this will be the main operating system for lodgement of document for assessment.

As your voice to government agencies we have expressed our concern to the Department related to delays in processing times and we will continue to lobby for improved national consistency and service delivery. It is still work in progress and we hope to see improvements in the near future.

CPD Events in South Australia

Our first CPD Event delivered on 20 June was a success with over 40 members in attendance. Based on your support we are delivering a second CPD event on 19 September at the Lakes Resort Hotel, West Lakes. This second event is going to cover current and up-to-date issues presented by key regulators,further developments on ChAFTA, TCOs and refunds from brokers perspective, a video on  how to operate the new BICON system which plans for implementation later this year.

I encourage you to support this event as it not only guarantees 15 CPD points, it is also a great opportunity for us to create direct communication channels with regulators, exchange ideas and share your experience with other members. Your early registration allows us to secure keynote speakers, venue and catering needs.

So if you are planning to attend, please register soon!!!

Regional Award 2015

This year I have made a recommendation for the Regional Award 2015 to be awarded to Ms. Chris McKirdy who has been a strong supporter of the CBFCA with her past involvement as well as her ongoing support.

Summary

As the elected South Australian President I am here to support you, and feel free to drop me an email or give me a ring if there are issues of a concern to you and your business.

We are your VOICE to government agencies and other stakeholders involved in the international trade logistics supply chain.

Kind regards,

Kim Nguyen
CBFCA President, South Australia
P: 08 8447 1011
Email