Victorian Government Axes Logistics Advisory Body

by David Sexton - last modified Jun 12, 2012 12:47 PM

The government opted to create a new entity called the Ministerial Freight Advisory Council (MFAC) which will be chaired by current VFLC chairman, John Begley.

Ms Elphick said she was notified of the decision “late in the piece” but was philosophical.

“Ministers will take their advice how they choose,” she said.

She played a straight bat when asked if the move related to the VFLC supporting the development of Bay West ahead of Hastings as a future container port (see separate story).

“I’ve no idea what [the decision] was in relation to,” Ms Elphick said, pointing out they always had given “robust advice”.

“The VFLC always has been an independent [organisation] and at arm’s length [from politics].”

Ports minister Denis Napthine said the new MFAC is made up of leading companies in the freight and ports sectors including the VTA, Victorian Farmers Federation, Shipping Australia and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

“This development is great news and will provide opportunities for government to work closely with industry on initiatives for improving the efficiency and productivity of Victoria’s freight and logistics sector,” Dr Napthine said.

The council is to be officially established on July 1 and be administered from the Transport Department with direct liaison with the ports and roads minister.

The VFLC was created in 2004 from the old Sea Freight Council and later the Air Freight Council.

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