Shipping Australia was pleased to host our Parliamentary Luncheon earlier this month (March 2025) and we were delighted with the high turnout of about 120 executives from across the NSW industry.
We were delighted and honoured that the NSW Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Member of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Damien Tudehope, gave the keynote speech. He discussed the Coalition’s commitment to keeping ports open during strikes and argued that port protests ought to be dealt with firmly.
Also speaking that day was Lucas Coleman, Executive Manager Corporate Affairs, of the Port of Newcastle also addressed our guests.
Noting that the Port traditionally uses the Shipping Australia event to take guest on Port of Newcastle’s diversification journey, Mr Coleman added that the journey also highlights the need to encourage competition in New South Wales to create supply chain security. He also revealed that the Port of Newcastle has also recently signed an agreement with the Hamburg Port Authority to develop a clean energy corridor between Newcastle and Europe.
Noting that the port is awaiting the final report of the NSW Freight Policy Reform process, he noted that, for the Port of Newcastle, the interim paper “serves us well. Allow the ports to compete!” he declared, adding that it is not for government to pick winner.
However, the Port isn’t waiting and is awaiting final approval to expand the berth box which, once complete, will open the Port to 90% of the container vessels that visit Australia. The target is the volume of containers that cross the border each year between Brisbane and Melbourne. The Port has also escalated its priority for passenger vehicle imports.
“Following receipt of our DAFF approval, Oct 24, we tested our abilities last Christmas. We learned we can do it. We can compete and bring supply chain resilience,” he told guests.
In addition to addressing guests, Port of Newcastle also sponsored the event. We do appreciate, and are thankful for, the ongoing commitment demonstrated by the Port of Newcastle to Shipping Australia. Thank you Port of Newcastle.
Thank you to sponsors
Shipping Australia simply could not run its events without the generous support of our sponsors. Sponsors for our winter NSW Parliamentary Luncheon were the Port of Newcastle, The MCC Group, and OneStop.
Shipping Australia thanks our sponsors for their generous support.
Thank you.
