A couple of media releases today, 20 April 2021, bring encouraging news for Australian importers, exporters and the shipping industry.
The first is a joint media release from Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management – David Littleproud, and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet – Ben Morton, announcing trials of faster biosecurity border clearance, set to start in July.
The other is an announcement from Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, pledging to spend $120m on sweeping deregulation, aimed at saving Australian businesses $430m a year on red tape. The Government will trial new industry arrangements to reduce bureaucratic red tape and biosecurity regulatory costs for importers and agricultural businesses.
Faster biosecurity clearance processes will benefit farmers and producers who rely on imports from overseas (e.g., machinery parts, fertiliser) to operate or advance their business, particularly where those goods are in short supply within Australia. Â
In a speech to the Business Council of Australia on Monday, the Prime Minister announced $120m would be spent on deregulation in the budget. He also flagged further expansion of the digital economy and revamping skills education as key planks of the ‘second phase’ of Australia’s economic recovery.
The PM claimed the plan would help about 1,220 commercial fishing operators access information to more efficiently plan fishing, avoiding bycatch and protected species. A further 610 fishing businesses will meet regulatory compliance requirements through electronic monitoring programs.
An emerging challenge for Australian businesses is the rise of protectionist policies in other jurisdictions and heightened geopolitical tensions. On 11 May the Treasurer will hand down the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Our industry representatives believe it would be beneficial if the government expanded its existing export support measures and introduced new initiatives that assist Australian exporters to diversify their markets – perhaps including a substantial funding increase for Austrade to enhance the support it provides our exporters.
As a licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, Colless Young offers correct, professional advice on all import matters, including Customs clearance, tariffs and bylaws. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. We also handle exports, shipping, trucking, warehousing and fumigation.
