Port priorities

Ports Australia has released its three priority policies that the organisation believes will save Australians money, increase international competitiveness, strengthen the economy, create jobs in regional areas and help reduce congestion in our cities.

The policies also come with a warning of an impending maritime skills shortage.

As Australians prepare for the federal election, the ports body is calling for policies which promote a more efficient freight and supply chain through mode neutrality, smarter regulation and job creation.

Ports Australia chief executive Mike Gallacher is calling for:

Connected ports,

Maritime skills, and

Wider use of Australia's Blue Highway

"Ports are a part of Australia's future success story and we look forward to working with the government on implementing policies to support Australians through their Ports.

"We urge all political parties to reach a bi-partisan agreement on strategy and for the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy to be released within in the first 100 days of the incoming government," he says.