The Hon. Kevin Hogan MP
Federal Member for Page
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism
MEDIA RELEASE
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Friday 5 January 2024
ONGOING INDUSTRIAL ACTION AT OUR PORTS IS AFFECTING OUR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, said that the ongoing industrial action at Australian DP World’s terminals is causing major delays and big problems for our import and export markets.
It is export season for a lot of stone-fruits and grapes and our exporters are at extreme risk of losing hundred of thousands to millions of dollars as they are worried that customers will walk away, there are issues with booking boxes for official inspections and there is a limited shelf life on these goods.
This is costing the local economy and will lead to an increase in the cost of living for Australian families.
Maritime Union of Australia commenced industrial action against DP World in early October after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement collapsed. This is causing delays and is increasing costs which is jeopardising business viability and causing reputational damage to Australia’s export industry.
“This ongoing industrial action at our ports poses a big problem to our import and export markets which was already being impacted by the ongoing attacks in the Red Sea. The work bans and stoppages at DP World’s terminals is having a significant impact on our importers and more so on our exports. We have ships arriving and unloading and they are leaving with nothing,” Mr Hogan said.
This added cost to importers and exporters is significant and businesses and Australian jobs are now in jeopardy.
“This is devastating to our local economy and local producers and our exporters. We are losing exports,” Mr Hogan said.
ENDS
Media – Gemma Daley – 0418 148 821
Kevin Hogan – 0428 291 307
