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Tuesday, July 20, 2004 Sea Container X-Ray Operations Extended Dear Member, Please
find links below to the Press Releases issued by the Minister
for Customs and the Prime Minister today, regarding additional
funding for Maritime Security enhancements, part of which will
go to facilitate an extension to the Sea Container X-Ray &
Examination facilities (CEF).
As we have previously advised, AFIF has been lobbying both State and Federal Governments on a number of issues regarding the operation of the CEF's, including the limited hours of operation, for some time, so it is pleasing to note this is beginning to be be addressed. The extension of Sea Container X-Ray operations will be on Saturdays only, for an 8 hour shift, commencing 06:00 or 07:00, depending on the terminal operator. Targets will increase from 500 to 550 per week in SYD, MEL, BNE. ( Note - BNE examinations will increase from current 300 to 550 ) . Fremantle will increase slightly, however port operating hours at weekends are largely 'on demand'. It is expected that the extended operations will commence in the next 2 weeks. Initially it will be handled by existing staff on overtime, with rosters to be re-arranged, until additional resources are in place. Following are transcripts of the Minister's & PM's full press releases today, on enhancements to security arrangements for the maritime industry in Australia. http://www.customs.gov.au/site/index.cfm?nav_id=670&area_id=5
(Click on Media Room, then Minister for Customs Speeches 2004, then July 20) Thanks and regards, Brian Lovell Chief Executive Officer Australian Federation of International Forwarders Ltd (AFIF) Suite 403, Level 3 152 Bunnerong Road Eastgardens NSW 2036 Tel: (61 2) 9314 3055 Fax: (61 2) 9314 3116 |
