Supply chain issues have been dominating business board-level discussions for some time now. Issues such as manufacturing delays, shipping capacity, increased freight costs, vessel delays at ports, depleted inventory levels, extreme labour shortages, and continued shutdowns of major global ports and airports have all dominated discussions and many still require strong focus and attention to keep business running day-to-day.

The importing industry is also being subjected to delays in biosecurity inspections and releases and unreasonable spiralling out of control container detention fees set by foreign owned shipping lines adding to the current cost of living and inflation being felt across Australia with charges being passed down the supply chain, adversely affecting business, retailers and consumers.

Regardless of which party is chosen in the upcoming federal election, the need for federal government action and potential regulation in reducing supply chain issues, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring reasonable container detention policies must be priorities for either leader.

Sam Curro
Executive Business Manager – Oceania