Monday, June 7, 2004


Customs Trade and Transport Update 7 June 2004


Dear All,


A welcome to the first day of winter in Melbourne.

The month since the last Update has delivered significant developments including the release of the text of the proposed Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Thailand, the announcement by the Australian Customs Service of the date for the cut-over to the ICS for exports and the release of a Report by the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs of the House of Representative into "Modern-Day Usage of Averments in Customs prosecutions". This Report includes a number of adverse findings into a particular Customs prosecution and the recommendation of an award of compensation to the person the subject of the prosecution. The Report also includes a number of recommendations into review of the Averment provisions in the Customs Act 1901.

The following articles may be of interest.

Customs announce commencement date for CMR Export reporting
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/asp/news_detail.asp?NewsID=198

Introduction of new legislation establishing new Customs powers
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/asp/news_detail.asp?NewsID=195

Averments - a significant price for Customs
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/asp/news_detail.asp?NewsID=197


"Closer Thais" - The terms of the proposed Free Trade Agreement with
Thailand. This is to be published in Lawyers Weekly later this week
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/Publications/194LW11.pdf



It has also been a busy month for presentation purposes and attached are copies of the following presentations.

The QLD Convention of the CBFCA.
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/Publications/Brisbane%20CBFCA%20Convention.ppt

The Lawasia Conference in Shanghai.
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/Publications/Shanghai%20presentation%202004.ppt

The AFIF National Conference on the Gold Coast.
http://www.hunthunt.com.au/hunthunt/Publications/AFIF%20presentation%202004.ppt


Forthcoming presentation will be at the South Australian Convention for the CBFCA on 19 June 2004 (see www.cbfca.com.au) and as part of the 26th International Trade Law Conference of the Attorney-General's Department in Canberra on 23 September 2004 (see www.ag.gov.au/itlc). Both events promise to be very interesting. As always, do not hesitate to contact me on some or all of these issues.

Finally, a welcome to Evan Stents who has now joined as a Partner the firm. Many of you will be aware of Evan's work in ACIS matters and his arrival is part of our efforts to provide a comprehensive service to all those involved in Customs, Trade and Transport.


Remember: The ISPS Code is intended to commence on 1 July 2004 as is our Maritime Security Act!



Kind Regards
Yours sincerely


Andrew Hudson

Partner
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Level 26
360 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone (03) 8602 9231
Fax (03) 8602 9299
Mobile 0418 359 534
E-Mail andrew_hudson@hunthunt.com.au

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