Catherine King, Australia’s Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, launched a review of the country’s National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy earlier in August. The review, which was originally scheduled for 2024, will take place this year to ensure strong and resilient Australian supply chains.

The review of Australia’s supply chain strategy will focus mainly on assessments, considerations and proposals, according to Holding Redlich. Assessments will identify any gaps in the nation’s supply chain strategy. Considerations will ensure the priorities and timeline of the National Action Plan over the next five years. Proposals will establish a small number of key performance indicators. The review will also emphasize decarbonization efforts as well as supply chain resilience.

“[A] new strategy must… address the critical skills shortages facing the sector, ensure infrastructure planning enables efficient freight corridors and protects land for future transportation needs… we must bounce forward, creating a stronger, better system,” said Hermoine Parsons, the CEO of the Australian Logistics Council.

Members of the general public can make a submission for the review until September 29, 2023.

The results of the review will be announced in a report given to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers by the end of 2023. Updates to the Supply Chain Strategy and Action Plan will be disclosed during the middle of 2024.