Senator Ellison was appointed to his current position of Minister for Justice and Customs in January 2001 and again in 2004. Border security and domestic security have been key priorities of the Howard Government, with Senator Ellison overseeing the development of the Australian Federal Police,the Australian Customs Service, Austrac and the Australian Crime Commission into our frontline law enforcement and border protection agencies.

As the Minister responsible for the Australian Customs Service he has overseen the following initiatives:

• The arming of the Australian Customs Vessels;
• The extension of First Port Boarding to approximately 80% of arriving vessels;
• The establishment of state-of-the-art container examination facilities at the ports of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle and Adelaide;
• The establishment of Australian Customs Service offices in Beijing and Jakarta;

The Minister is also overseeing the implementation of the Customs Cargo Management Reengineering project and Customs new $1 billion Civil Maritime Surveillance (CMS04) contract beyond 2006. The Minister will examine issues involving Customs and Border Protection that affect trade and Transport in our industry and be open to discussion at the end of his presentation.

AIRFREIGHT FORUM - TOWARDS A PAPERLESS SUPERJET

Major changes are facing our industry. This Airfreight Forum brings together the most influential gathering of airline cargo executives ever seen in Australia. Together with high level representation from IATA, this international panel which represents the top 3 air carriers by volume in the Australian market, will debate a number of key issues. These include the proposed introduction of paperless documentation for international shipments and the arrival of the A380 Superjet, and how this may affect the way we do business.

Do not miss this opportunity to hear first hand from the major industry players about issues of relevance to all participants in the international air cargo industry Panelists include:

• Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, Emirates (Dubai)
• Stephen Cleary, Group General Manager, Freight, Qantas (Sydney)
• Tiow Kor Tan, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing, Singapore Airlines Cargo (Singapore)
• Robert Ryan, Program Director for E-Freight, IATA (Geneva)

During lunch we will introduce ‘Nigel’, our guest speaker . Nigel provides a unique combination of interactive magic, comedy and a memory that must be seen in action to be believed.

BUSINESS ISSUES

Facing the Challenges of Change

In today’s ever changing climate, companies are here today, gone tomorrow. With companies merging, being taken over and global consolidation, do you know what role you will be playing? This session is designed to help the people in the industry prepare for the challenges change brings, by considering one constant element in change; People.

This session presents industry-tailored, research-based strategies for owners, senior managers and supervisors to help hold back the tide of rising workplace and health costs associated with the ageing workforce. This presentation will include an analysis of the current health status of transport & storage workers including the workplace costs associated with mental health problems and other measurable risk factors. This session will also cover the implementation and organisational support required to deliver successful workplace health and productivity management programs.

• Troy Grogan, Chief Executive Officer, AlphaOne

The Howard Government has introduced a Bill, Work Choices, into parliament, amending the Workplace Industrial Relations Act 1996.

At time of finalising this program the Bill has not been enacted and is being challenged in the High Court of Australia by various State governments as to the powers of the federal government to introduce such legislation.

It is John’s intention in the period allocated to advise of the far reaching effects on employers, employees and their unions when and if it is enacted and becomes law.

This session is invaluable to all persons involved in the employment of personnel.

• John F Law, Principle Partner, John F Law and Associates

Freight and Transport Liability Underwriter, Peter Rogers, looks at some of the potential and actual liabilities that the Forwarder assumes in its ever changing role and whether the present types of insurance policies adequately protect the forwarder. The presentation will focus on scope of cover, disclosure of information and some of the claims that can impact on the business of the forwarder.

• Peter Rogers, Managing Director, International Transport & Maritime Underwriters (ITMU), UK

CORPORATE MEMORY WORKSHOP

We welcome back ‘Nigel’ from lunchtime, who teaches theoretical and practical methods he has studied and refined over many years. These are designed to improve memory and in particular, remembering names.

Nigel's light hearted and interesting manner makes this informative session a lot of fun. At the end of this workshop, you will be motivated and eager to try out his suggestions for remembering the names of friends, colleagues and associates.

Everyone can benefit from this course by not only gaining skills that can improve your business but that will enrich your everyday life.

The Australian Customs service is facing challenges in moving from trade controller to trade facilitator, with significant difficulties in implementation of the Integrated Cargo System, a new series of reviews and audits and broader questions about the agency’s structure. Joe Ludwig argues for a stronger government effort to protect our prosperity by building a better Customs Service.

Listen to the Senator’s views and use this opportunity to ask questions.

Which government agency is going to be responsible for air cargo security at the border following the outcome of the review conducted under the auspices of Sir John Wheeler from the UK? Amongst other things, the review identified that Customs should play a greater role in border security, as they are in the front line. But who is in charge? How will the government manage the process going forward and what changes can industry expect out of all of this? This should prove to be a very interesting and informative session into the future of international air cargo security for Australia.

• Vicki Dickman, General Manager, Regional Aviation and Aircargo Security, Department of Transport and Regional Security
• Roxanne Kelley, National Manager Research and Development, Australian Customs Service.

The AutoStrad (automated straddle carrier) technology is the result of more than nine years research, development and piloting and is the world's first 'free-ranging' automated straddle system.

The automated 10-metre high, 65-tonne straddle carriers are fitted with sophisticated motion control and navigation systems which allow them to operate unmanned - moving and stacking containers from the quay, into holding yards, onto vehicles, and back to quay cranes with pin-point accuracy.

This presentation will show you first hand what this amazing technology is capable of!

• Doug Shulz, General Manager - Terminals, Patrick Corporation.

Morning Tea

Issues surrounding container detention, time slot arrangements, cartage demurrage charges and the so called “mismatch of operating hours” are contentious issues facing the forwarding industry and its suppliers today. Throw into the mix the "China Syndrome" and the market volatility it generates and knowledge and predictability become scarce resources.

Hear from the major players involved and have your say in this not to be missed forum.
Panel discussion including:

• Llew Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Shipping Australia Ltd
• Iain Sharples, Claims Executive, TT Club
• Neil Chambers, Deputy CEO & Industry Services Director Victorian Transport Association (VTA)
• CP Ships Representative

Lunch

THE GREAT DEBATE
FREIGHT FORWARDING IS A YOUNG PERSONS GAME
(You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!)

Moderator: John Law, Chief Executive Officer, Law Rexstraw Lawyers, (part of dutg.com.au)

FOR:

• Andrew Waterworth, State Manager - QLD, UTi
• Sonya Ashcroft, Customer and Employee Relations Manager, UAC
• Greg McKillop, Director, Lynair International

AGAINST:

• Paul Golland, National UK Trade Development Manager, Halford International
• Michael Lofaro, Australian General Manager, Mainfreight International
• Leigh Bryant, Company Director, Scorpion International Freight Services

The ‘must see’ of the conference program.

Enjoy the final session watching the ‘more experienced’ take on the youngsters to debate who has the skills to best meet the needs of freight forwarding today! The battle of the generations is on!

Conference Close OR

Golf Clinic
An optional session, open to those interested in improving their golf swing and getting some tips from a professional. Join the Royal Pines Resort Pro at the course for an hour and see what you can learn. Session costs $25 per person (inc GST). Please complete section E of your registration form if you wish to attend. Please note, minimum and maximum numbers apply.

Conference Black and White Ball

EDI Black and White Ball featuring Rhonda Burchmore and the Brisbane All Star Youth Band.

A night of fine food and wine and entertainment from one of Australia’s most renowned performers, awaits you. A perfect way to end the conference. Come dressed in Black and White theme.