Victorian Freight and Logistics Industry COVID-19 Update (NNF 2020/094)

As reference in past national newsflash the Victorian Ministers have requested Freight Victoria to continue maintaining communications with industry on actions to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and to provide an avenue to raise any issues of concern.

Freight Victoria hosted a a teleconference on Monday 30 March, 2020 to identify the issues that industry are facing, provide a forum to fast-track responses and remove any roadblocks. The CBFCA joined other key industry Associations on the teleconference to be a voice for customs brokerages and freight forwarders.

Some of the key issues the CBFCA raised include:

• The term 'essential services' to be further defined to include all industry stakeholders that  participate in the global and domestic supply chain, including the cargo owners (importers and exporters).
• Government to consider the "cash flow" impacts on businesses if any of the supply chain partners struggle financially and unable to provide essential services.
• Government to consider providing support to the aviation industry to increase the number of airlines calling Melbourne Airport to facilitate the airfreight movement of essential export and import cargo.

Freight Victoria will facilitate sharing of information and responses via the centralised process the government has established, including a regular Freight and Logistics Industry Update. To download the first update READ MORE.

Airfreight Update

As reported in the NEWS today, the CBFCA welcomes the The Australian Government support package that will re-launch hundreds of flights to deliver fresh produce to key international markets as part of a $170 million boost to an export sector grounded by the coronavirus emergency.

Return flights, under the program, will provide an opportunity for Australia to import medical equipment and medicines.