Further to our advice of Tuesday October 17, representatives from AFIF, the CBFCA and CAPEC attended the ACCC pre-determination conference (PDC) in Sydney on October 19 and clearly stated the combined position that we fully supported the Australian 'Cargo Intermediary Program' (IATA Res.809zz) and the retention of the CASS Billing and Payment System.

During the conference we also learnt that IATA would be self - assessing all aspects of the current program to identify and remedy, or request immunity from, any sections that may contravene the TPA (provided that these passed the 'public benefits' tests).

IATA also confirmed that they would be consulting with industry, on all such matters, through the IATA Cargo Executive Council for Australia (CEC) - which has equal Airline and Forwarder representation and voting.

AFIF enquired as to whether IATA would request an extension if any changes could not be managed in the time-frame, as any gap in the process might expose the current program to a potential legal challenge in a non-immunised environment. The ACCC, whilst not wishing to have an open ended situation, advised that they would listen to a reasonable request. 

The ACCC expressed their appreciation of the obvious high level of cooperation and communication between IATA and the forwarding industry and felt confident that matters were progressing well.

There is much work ahead for the respective parties before this matter can be finalised and IATA will shortly be announcing a timetable to complete the work. However there appears to be more confidence that the issues can be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned and it would be fair for us to say that the situation is back on the right track.