The Australian Federation of International Forwarders (AFIF) has decided to shore up its compliance systems after recent airfreight price-fixing action against airlines, including Australian flag carrier Qantas. AFIF’s board of directors discussed these issues, including anti-trust, during aspecial meeting earlier last month.
A major issue identified in a briefing by Sydney-based law firm Blake Dawson to the AFIF board, was the hair-trigger nature of actions that could prompt a probe by authorities, AFIF chief executive Brian Lovell said.
"We have received a detailed briefing on Trade Practice issues to ensure AFIF does not contravene the TPA guidelines at its own meetings and conferences," Lovell added.
AFIF will stage a series of workshops to explain the Trade Practices Act (TPA) in relation to industry competition. The first briefing session was held in Sydney last month and this will be followed by sessions in each capital city.
AFIF will use the seminars to also advise members on the new IATA Airwaybill conditions; correct invoicing procedures; and update the industry on Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Act 2006 and its relevance to industry.