The New South Wales ports privatisation process has sparked concerns and a lobbying effort on behalf of those whose businesses depend on them.
Both trucking and freight forwarding bodies have made representations to ministers and politicians seeking clarity on and protection of safeguards for such firms through amendments to the proposed legislation.
By Rob McKay | October 23, 2012
The New South Wales ports privatisation process has sparked concerns and a lobbying effort on behalf of those whose businesses depend on them.
Both trucking and freight forwarding bodies have made representations to ministers and politicians seeking clarity on and protection of safeguards for such firms through amendments to the proposed legislation.
The focus has turned to the Legislative Council after the Port Assets (Authorised Transactions) Bill 2012 made a swift passage through the Legislative Assembly last week.
Port users are particularly concerned that the Bill, the drafting of which involved no consultation with container carriers or freight forwarders, appears to leave future additional fees and charges at the sole discretion of port leaseholders.
Clarity is also sought on the future of Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS) Regulation and Mandatory Standards.
It is understood that Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay has replied to the NSW arm of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA NSW)
when it had raised the issues but this has failed to ease concerns.
New freight forwarding lobby Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)
says its representations addressed “a new charge as outlined on Page 53, Division 6A which will be levied on port users including ‘the owners of cargo’ and ‘persons who operate road or rail cargo transport services as part of the port-related supply chain'”.
“FTA understands that these charges will be set and received by the new private port operator, and will not be subject to approval by the Minister,” the lobby says.
“Needless to say, without being consulted on any of the detail associated with these arrangements, FTA has expressed serious concerns and has requested that the bill be deferred to allow for: appropriate industry consultation; and introduction of ‘safeguard’ mechanisms ensuring that any new fees payable by the import / export sector are justified, fair and reasonable.”
