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Expert panel members – National Freight and Supply Chain Inquiry

Maurice James—Managing Director—Qube

Maurice James has been the Managing Director of Qube Holdings Limited since March, 2011. He has over 30 years" extensive experience in engineering, ports and logistics industries.

His early career was spent at the Port of Melbourne Corporation commencing as a civil engineer and subsequently moving through various roles to Manager Commercial Operations.

Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities submissions

Submissions received

No. Author DOCX PDF
01 Mr Tim Kelsey DOCX: 23 KB PDF: 376 KB
02 Australian Logistics Council N/A

National Freight & Supply Chain Strategy

To position Australia to meet its emerging freight and supply chain challenges, Commonwealth, state and territory infrastructure and transport ministers endorsed the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy (Strategy) and National Action Plan (Action Plan) in August 2019. The Strategy and Action Plan set an agenda for integrated national action across all freight modes over the next 20 years and beyond. The Strategy and Action Plan can be found at www.freightaustralia.gov.au.

Freight & supply chains

The freight and logistics industry is an essential component of the national economy, where the sector accounts for approximately 8.6 per cent of GDP. An efficient, sustainable and cost-effective freight and logistics industry enabled through partnerships with all levels of government supports Australia"s growing economy and quality of life aspirations. Governments play a central role in the long-term planning, provision and management of transport networks that service Australia"s growing freight task.

Driver licensing

Under Australia's federated system, transport responsibilities are distributed between the Commonwealth Government and state and territory governments.

The responsibility for the regulation and enforcement of road use, including light vehicle driver licensing, rests with the state and territory governments.

Australian licence holders seeking recognition of their Australian licence in foreign countries should contact the Australian Embassy or High Commission in those countries for further information.

Australian Dangerous Goods Code

The purpose of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) is to provide consistent technical requirements for the land transport of dangerous goods across Australia. The ADG Code should be read in conjunction with relevant state or territory law. The ADG Code adopts the structure, format, definitions and concepts of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations while retaining some Australian specific provisions. It also incorporates additional provisions for the transport of infectious substances.

General Licence Reports Summary 2014–2015

Category of TradeCargo DescriptionAggregated VolumeVolume/Amount Type
Container N/A 49 MT
Dry Bulk Cement 1,492,386 MT
Dry Bulk Clinker 52,430 MT
Dry Bulk Coal 677,188

Competent authorities for dangerous goods

Responsibility for the transport of dangerous goods sits,

  • For air transport, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA);
  • For sea transport, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
  • In relation to road and rail transport, individual state and territory governments.

Contact details of these organisations are below. Relevant legislative arrangements are available.

International harmonisation of dangerous goods transport requirements

Australia has been closely involved in international efforts to harmonise the classification and labelling requirements for all dangerous goods. This reduces the conformance burden for industries engaged in the use and transport of dangerous goods and facilitates seamless compliance for importers and exporters.

Transport of dangerous goods by road and rail legislation status

Each state and territory implements the updated Australian Dangerous Goods Code and associated updates to their dangerous goods transport regulations separately. Each state and territory's dangerous goods transport act and regulations are at the links below. Businesses must comply with their state / territory specific act and regulations and the ADG Code.
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