Kilgariff welcomes formal commencement of the consultation process
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed the discussion paper on the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities.
ALC says the release of the paper and the call for submissions discussing its contents represents a key milestone in the continuing development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“The formal commencement of the consultation process is a significant opportunity for Australia’s freight logistics industry,” ALC MD Michael Kilgariff says.
“Developing a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy was a core aspect of ALC’s 2016 election priorities document, Getting The Supply Chain Right.
“It was also the focus of ALC Forum 2017, held in Melbourne during early March, and the discussions at that event helped shape the content of a Working Paper ALC published earlier this month.
“ALC has consistently said that the Strategy cannot become just another document, but must be a dynamic blueprint that is relevant to the needs of industry, and enhances the safety and efficiency of Australia’s supply chains.
“In order to make that happen, it is important for all parts of the freight logistics industry to be actively engaged in the consultation process before submissions close on 28 July.
“This will help ensure the advice provided to Government is as comprehensive as possible, and takes account of the needs of all modes of freight transport, as well as the interests of producers and consumers.
“Australia’s freight task is expected to grow significantly in the next decade, with the National Transport Commission’s Who Moves What Where report pointing to an increase of 26 per cent.
“There are also large-scale implications for the performance of the national economy. Our nation’s freight logistics industry represents approximately 8.6 per cent of Australia’s GDP and employs 1.2 million Australians.
“ALC research shows that a 1 per cent increase in supply chain efficiency will deliver a $2bn benefit to the national economy.
“ALC looks forward to continuing to work actively with its members, industry representatives and the government to make sure the Strategy is one that delivers real improvements in supply chain safety and efficiency, and helps drive economic growth and new employment opportunities.”