Background

Stakeholders in the Import and Seaport Clearance Industries formed the Industry Working Group Quarantine (IWGQ) in 1993. Representatives of that Group make up the Industry contingent of the AQIS Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC). The secretariat function for both groups was attended to by the Australian Chamber of Shipping (ACOS) until 1996.

The “Import / Export Cargo Clearance Study” commissioned by the IWGQ and published in June 1996 identified a number of areas which required more intense focus and attention than the then existing system’s secretarial and voluntary structure could support. Industry determined than that a need existed for a more permanent and dedicated secretariat to attend to the areas defined by the study and other issues determined from time to time.

Because of its close involvement with the physical movement of cargo and associated documentary requirements, the Australian Cargo Handling / Logistics Industry and Commerce (hereafter referred to as the “Industry”) have an important role to play in achieving the objectives of quarantine control.

The concept of setting up a dedicated liaison office which would also attend to secretarial functions of the committees and funding options was explored with the Executive Director of AQIS in late July 1996 and a positive response was received.  It was agreed that Industry would prepare a proposal for further discussion between it and AQIS.

A detailed proposal was prepared by Industry and agreed between the parties after further discussions by the middle of February 1997.

The office commenced operations on April 1997 and its functions, responsibilities, location, staffing and contact details are:

Functions

The Secretariat / Liaison Office is to be national and non-executive / operational.  It is to provide consultative and advisory functions at a senior level representing the objectives of AQIS and Industry, serving as a focal point for both parties.  It shall assist in the implementation of recommendations of the Nairn Report once considered and acted upon by Government as well as the recommendations following from Industry initiated studies and reports once accepted by both parties.

Responsibilities

1) Provide a focal point for both parties and act as a sounding board for AQIS and Industry on broad national issues.

2) Assist in the implementation of the new Governments or AQIS import clearance policy initiatives through provision of technical advice and as a focal point for AQIS / Industry working groups

3) Act as Secretariat to the AICCC and related Committees, as well as working parties or task forces convened from time to time.

4) Assist in developing a greater awareness by AQIS and the Industry of each other’s needs and obligations. A major and integral part of this task is the monitoring, updating and publicising the training capabilities Industry has developed in consultation and conjunction with AQIS.

5) Assist in the development of Industry Self-Regulation Programs.

6) Identify, develop and monitor AQIS / Industry projects in a non-executive function.

7) Attend to policy matters as required by AICCC members.

Staffing

Mr. Hart Krtschil accepted the task to establish and run the office. He has wide experience in all facets of the Cargo Handling Industry and Commerce through long business associations in senior positions in the Logistics Industry and as representative of Industry on a variety of Committees, Task Forces and the like. He was actively involved in the establishment of the IWGQ and the AICCC and has chaired both committees since their inception. He was a member of the Quarantine and Exports Advisory Council (QEAC), an independent advisory body for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, from 1997 to 2007.