DCN December Edition 2019

TRADE LAW
Annual gathering
facilitates trade
Andrew Hudson offers a perspective on the themes of the National Conference
of the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council Of Australia
I HAVE BEEN IN THE FORTUNATE
more deeply at significant issues likely to
As between all parties in the supply
position of being involved with the
affect industry and trade into the future as
chain, whether public or private there is an
Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council
well as drawing on past experiences.
understanding that as trade flows continue
of Australia for several years. That has
The CBFCA enlists relevant speakers
to rise, there will need to be improvements
encompassed a wider variety of tasks than
across a two-day program with the first day
both in modernising and facilitating trade
merely providing legal advice in an office.
given over to government, its regulatory
both here and overseas, to ensure the
It has involved working with industry to
agencies and policy issues and the second
trade moves at expected speeds without
manage the botched delivery of the ICS for
day addressing more operational issues. Of
compromise to compliance, revenue
imports in 2005, through to asbestos and
course there is also time for networking
protection or security and without undue
issues related to the brown marmorated
with others in attendance as well as
increases in expenditure by government
stink bug. I have helped develop and deliver
formal and informal drinks and dinners
and its agencies. This requires the adoption
education and training for CBFCA members
including the gala dinner at which the
of new and assured technology and changes
around legal issues, new legislation and free
CBFCA recognises contributions to its
to procedures and practices by all parties.
trade agreements (including more recently
success with state and national awards for
continuing professional development),
members and students.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
working with government and its agencies
There is a clear recognition by
to represent the interests of the CBFCA and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
government and its agencies that it
its members in forums such as the National
The venue for the National has shifted
cannot make these changes on its own
Committee on Trade Facilitation and the
to different places around the country
and good ideas and outcomes come
International Trade Remedies Forum.
and even overseas with the most recent
equally from those in the private supply
iteration being held at Crown Promenade
chain, which underpins much of the work
THE ROLE OF STATE CONVENTIONS
in Melbourne recognising the 115th
of the NCTF and its sub-committees.
This range of involvement has also led
birthday of the CBFCA stretching from its
That will also require an evolution in
to many speaking engagements whether
origins in earlier associations.
the relationship between government,
overseas or locally and delivery of member
The main theme of this year’s National
its agencies and those in the private
legal forums around Australia twice a year
was The Changing Face of International Trade
supply chain to ensure trusted parties
for CBFCA members. There also have been
and across the two days, speakers from
secure a “light touch at the border” with
webinars and the CBFCA State Conventions
government, its agencies and the private
intervention reserved for those who are
as well as involvement at the centrepiece
sector provided their views on the future
recklessly or deliberately non-compliant.
CBFCA National Conference which takes
shape of industry and regulation. The
The keynote speaker on the first day was
place towards the end of each year.
choice of the theme was deliberate, being
Dr Bradley Armstrong PSM, the leader of
The “National” has always represented
a chance both to address current pressing
issues affecting industry but also to look
aimed at informing and helping industry
prepare to engage in the challenge of the
future supply chain.
the new Customs Group within the ABF
as well as being chair of the NCTF. Dr
Armstrong provided more details on the
Sirtravelalot
54 December 2019
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