AGP Executive Report

Fuel Tax Relief: Australia will extend the fuel excise cut for one more month, keeping the 16 cents per litre discount from July 1 to Aug. 2 before the full 52.6 cents per litre rate returns. EV & Charging Boom: An EV expo in Noosa drew 8,000+ people as Australians weigh electric cars, home batteries and vehicle-to-grid options amid record EV uptake. Port & Border Security: Australian authorities charged three people, including a British actress, after a 320kg meth shipment worth about A$296m was allegedly hidden in charcoal exported from Ghana and intercepted at Port Botany. Shipping Risk Watch: Strait of Hormuz tensions remain a live logistics concern as Iran reimposed a blockade, while US officials dispute the closure—raising uncertainty for global fuel and shipping flows. Aviation Consumer Reform: Qantas is set to launch ultra-long-haul London–Sydney flights in 2027, as Australia moves toward aviation consumer protection changes. Road Safety/Infrastructure: A weekend crash near Bowie, Maryland (Piper Cherokee) highlights ongoing risks around regional airfields and emergency response coordination.

Supply Chain & Trade: Austrade’s Dominic Trindade says the China International Supply Chain Expo is built for “real-world collaboration”, with Australia attending as guest of honour in Beijing (June 22–26). Biosecurity: Australia’s first mainland H5N1 bird flu detection near Esperance has poultry groups on high alert, with show cancellations and tighter controls on backyard and commercial bird movements. Fuel & Logistics Costs: The Albanese government extends the fuel excise cut for July, but halves the discount to 16c/L (from 32c/L), citing ongoing Strait of Hormuz uncertainty and flow-on inflation risks. Maritime Risk: Iran claims it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again as US-Iran talks begin in Switzerland, while the US says commercial traffic continues—raising the spectre of shipping tolls and price shocks. Housing Supply Chain: NSW plans a modular housing manufacturing hub to speed approvals and construction, aiming to strengthen the building supply chain. Defence Mobility: RAAF P-8A Poseidons return from Malaysia after two-week maritime missions, supporting monitoring of busy shipping routes. Road Safety After Flooding: Maritime Safety Queensland reports ongoing recovery of damaged vessels in Bundaberg after March flooding, with some boats found in remote and reef areas.

Aviation & Border Flow: IATA warns Europe-bound travellers could face passport-control waits of up to six hours this summer as the EU’s Entry/Exit System strains at peak periods, with Australians among the most sensitive to delays. Maritime & Energy Security: With Strait of Hormuz disruptions easing after a US-Iran memorandum, the global oil picture is still fragile; the war period reportedly removed huge volumes from the market, keeping shipping and freight risk front of mind. Logistics & Supply Chains: A “60% Rule” framework from G7 talks targets rare-earth and magnet concentration risks, pushing procurement diversification to reduce dependence on single-source processing. Australian Transport Industry: Qantas is moving toward ultra-long-haul plans, while Tesla’s latest supervised software rollout continues in Australia—both signals of how passenger and fleet operations are evolving. Rail Safety: UK police investigate a deadly commuter train collision near London that left the driver dead and dozens hurt. Local Infrastructure: Civil works begin on Geelong’s Silverbrook housing estate beside the Waurn Ponds train station, with future carpark and bus interchange planned.

Border Security & Trade: Australian Federal Police say a British actress, Emaa Hussen, has been charged over an alleged $208m meth attempt hidden in charcoal shipments from Ghana into Sydney’s Port Botany, with the case framed as preventing millions of doses reaching the street. Road & Freight Infrastructure (PNG): An Australia-funded road maintenance program in Papua New Guinea is giving local contractors work and training under TSSP3, including pothole repairs, resealing and drainage upgrades on the East Cape Road. Public Transport (NSW): NSW budget moves to cut Opal and credit-card daily/weekly caps, aiming to make commuting cheaper while keeping “discipline” ahead of the state election. Emergency Response (Vic): Loch Fire Brigade has received an $850,000 TAC-funded rescue truck with battery-powered tools and expanded heavy-vehicle response capacity. Aviation/Transport Policy: Qantas is set to announce ultra-long-haul flights, while Australia’s proposed aviation consumer protection reforms are also getting coverage. Biosecurity: H5 bird flu has been confirmed on mainland Australia after detection in a brown skua near Esperance, with no evidence yet of poultry infection. Maritime/Logistics Security (Region): Solomon Islands authorities, with partners including Australian Border Force, intercepted a suspected transnational crime-linked vessel, MV Wealth, and detained 19 crew. World Cup Transport (Overseas): Seattle’s match-day medical and bus access issues are being addressed after World Cup crowds strained local transport operations.

Port & Border Security: Australian authorities have charged three people, including British actress Emaa Hussen, over an alleged attempt to import about 320kg of methamphetamine hidden inside charcoal shipments from Ghana that arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany. The Australian Federal Police say the drugs were detected after ABF screening of two containers, with testing confirming meth and an estimated street value of A$296m; Hussen is accused of supervising unloading before the drugs were moved to a property in Blacktown, and she faces a maximum life sentence. Health & Remote Logistics: The Australian Government has provided Papua New Guinea’s North Fly District with TB service equipment via the PNG–Australia Partnership, including a motorised dinghy for outreach, a standby generator for continuity during outages, and a high-capacity printer to produce training and awareness materials locally. Maritime Infrastructure: PNG Ports is rolling out a 30-year master plan to modernise its network, citing A$621.4m in Australian support under the AIFFP to upgrade ports handling 10.8m tonnes of cargo in 2025. Climate Risk to Supply Chains: A new overview flags which global crops are most exposed to climate change—highlighting cocoa, corn, palm oil, rice, wheat, sugarcane and soybeans—and points to mitigation via resilient varieties, irrigation, soil management and farm tech.

Freight & Logistics Leadership: Western Australia has appointed former minister Bill Johnston as the new Chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of WA, aiming to improve the state’s freight and logistics outcomes. Road & Freight Safety: Construction is set to begin in July 2026 on the Bruce Highway and Buxton Road intersection upgrade at Isis River, adding turn lanes and improving access while supporting freight efficiency. EV Grid Readiness: Hyundai says it has completed Australia’s first V2G discharge using a standards-compliant bi-directional charger, a sign that vehicle-to-grid tech is nearing practical rollout. Energy & Markets Watch: The ASX is expected to open lower and the market slid after a more hawkish US Federal Reserve tone pressured miners and metals, with oil supply concerns easing as Strait of Hormuz shipping normalises. Critical Minerals Funding: International Graphite Ltd will raise $4m via a discounted placement to back its graphite processing push in Europe and Western Australia, including work tied to its Italy joint venture and Collie micronising facility. Community Transport Infrastructure: Hervey Bay’s Community Hub—backed by the Hinkler Regional Deal—will open in stages, with the library and council service centre scheduled for 31 August 2026.

Maritime Security: Australian Border Force has charged three people after about 300kg of meth was allegedly smuggled through Port Botany hidden in a charcoal shipment from Ghana, with an estimated street value of $296m. Trade & Shipping Disruption Watch: The US-Iran MOU to end the war has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and seen tankers transit, but mines and safe access still mean shipping recovery will be gradual. Military Logistics: The US is seeking contractors for up to a $30m logistics hub at Bandiana (Victoria) to support “critical forward provisioning” across the Pacific. Freight Tech Reliability: WiseTech Global says a faulty data update caused a CargoWise outage on 17 June, with services restored between 5pm and 7pm, reigniting debate over software releases and support. Tax & Small Business: Labor has revealed CGT carve-outs for small businesses, with industry groups saying thresholds are outdated for transport and other operators. Policy & Cost Pressure: A fuel duty cut proposal is being debated in Jersey, highlighting how transport costs can quickly ripple into wider prices.

Port & logistics enforcement: Australian Border Force and AFP charged three people over a failed 320kg meth import from Ghana via Sydney’s Port Botany, with the haul worth about $296m. Transport infrastructure & services: WA’s Australind trains are set to return from 29 June with four new names (Marley, Kwilena, Koombana, Linda) after 3,500+ community entries. Aviation & travel: Qantas has confirmed nonstop Sydney–London flights from October 2027, cutting the trip to about 22 hours, raising big questions about economy demand. Road safety: Sydney’s Cabramatta community mourns two children killed in a pram crash after a SUV hit them while crossing near school pick-up. Rail safety & justice: A coroner found racism and major flaws hindered the original investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teen Mark Haines on NSW train tracks. Digital & comms reliability: Vodafone’s network outage hit millions with intermittent calls and data before services were progressively restored. Policy & business: Labor expanded small-business capital gains tax concessions and rolled back some trust changes after startup backlash. Auto supply & competition: Nissan’s Japan-made Kicks could be a future right-hand-drive option for Australia as the local small-SUV lineup shifts.

Aviation & Long-Haul: Qantas says it will launch non-stop Sydney–London flights in 2027 under Project Sunrise, using the A350-1000ULR with extra fuel capacity to cut travel time by up to four hours. Defence & Logistics: Defence Minister Richard Marles says the US Marine Corps is expanding its logistics footprint in Australia, including a new crisis-ready prepositioning stockpile and a move into Australia’s global programme for weapons, ammo and vehicles. Maritime Security: At the G7, India’s PM Narendra Modi raised concerns with US President Donald Trump over the deaths of Indian sailors tied to Strait of Hormuz incidents, stressing seafarer safety as sanctions and shipping routes remain in focus. Industrial Decarbonisation: MCi Carbon officially opened Myrtle, billed as the world’s first fully integrated carbon refinery in Newcastle, turning CO2 and mineral feedstocks into saleable construction materials. Offshore Energy Works: EnerMech completed complex offshore cleaning and preparation on Bass Strait pipelines for ExxonMobil/Esso, reporting zero injuries and no environmental incidents. Road Safety (NSW): Transport for NSW backs a free community screening of KANGAROO in Richmond, tied to a kangaroo-aware driving safety push.

Aviation & Travel: Qantas says its “Project Sunrise” ultra-long-haul plan will launch direct flights from eastern Australia to London or New York, aiming to cut the trip to about 22 hours and bypass Middle Eastern/Asian hubs. Freight & Ports: Adani Ports is partnering with Kaleris to invest up to $100m in AI-led port automation, targeting faster, smarter cargo handling. Rail Safety: WA’s rail union is pushing back on a draft bill to add more lights and reflectors to regional trains at passive level crossings, arguing it won’t fix driver behaviour. Energy Costs: Western Australia residents on the Supagas LPG network face a 25% bill jump amid Middle East market impacts, with limited provider choice. Shipping Security: Insurers are tightening control over Strait of Hormuz shipping routes as confidence rebuilds after the US-Iran ceasefire, with longer-term disruption risk flagged. Mining & Critical Minerals: St George Mining secured $60m via placement to accelerate its Araxá rare earths and niobium project in Brazil, while Hancock Iron Ore plans workforce reductions tied to extending Roy Hill operations. Logistics & Defence: The US State Department approved a $1.5b sale of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and missiles to New Zealand, reinforcing regional maritime capability.

Western Sydney Airport: Australia’s new $5.6bn Western Sydney Airport is set to open to passengers in October, bringing 24-hour operations and more flight scheduling flexibility versus the current Sydney airport’s night curfew limits. Reserve Bank Watch: The RBA held the cash rate at 4.35% but warned inflation is still too high and further hikes remain possible if needed. US Marine Stockpile in Victoria: The US plans a permanent, war-ready Marine Corps weapons stockpile on Australia’s southeast coast, with $30m earmarked for warehouses and offices in rural Victoria to speed “critical forward provisioning.” Middle East Shipping Shock: US-Iran ceasefire/peace framework talks are set to be signed in Switzerland, but analysts warn Strait of Hormuz trade recovery could take weeks as mines and security concerns remain. Connected Fleet Tech: Michelin will showcase new truck tyres plus AI-led connected fleet tools at Road Transport Expo, aiming at safety, compliance and efficiency gains. Offshore Wind Certification: Encomara’s floating wind “Squid” system cleared an ABS Product Design Assessment milestone, targeting faster installation and more weather-ready campaigns. World Cup Logistics: FIFA’s 2026 tournament is driving major travel demands across Canada, Mexico and the US, with teams constantly moving and recovery time becoming a key factor.

Fuel excise relief debate: Anthony Albanese is weighing whether to extend the $2.5bn fuel excise cut after the June 30 expiry, as economists warn extra stimulus could complicate inflation control while drivers face higher petrol and diesel costs. Shipping & energy ripple effects: Markets are reacting to a US-Iran peace framework that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts saying full shipping normalisation could take months—important for Australia’s fuel and freight outlook. Road transport pressure: Tourism and Transport Forum says the end of the fuel tax relief could hit winter holiday road trips, with many Australians already delaying or cancelling travel plans. Electric freight push: Windrose secured Australian road vehicle type approval for its battery-electric prime mover, targeting real linehaul trials on the Hume Highway. Micromobility safety: Queensland introduces new e-scooter and e-bike safety laws from 1 July, aiming to curb rising serious injuries. Logistics in the spotlight: Precision Group highlights its move into 3PL and warehouse management for faster supply-chain delivery. Workplace tech for transport hubs: icetana AI is pitching AI-augmented surveillance for proactive safety across transport sites and other public venues.

Middle East Shipping Shock Eases: A US-Iran memorandum framework has been announced, with the Strait of Hormuz expected to reopen after a June 19 signing in Geneva—ending a 107-day blockade that cut tanker transits by about 95% and LNG shipments by roughly 99%. Market Pulse: Global stocks jumped while oil slid sharply (Brent down to around the low-$80s) and gold rose, but analysts warn normal trade could take weeks as mines, insurance, and shipowner confidence catch up. Australian Energy Link: Australia’s LNG supply chain gets a reminder of how fast disruptions flow—JERA has taken delivery of its first Barossa LNG cargo in Japan, underscoring the importance of stable routes for buyers. Freight Electrification Push: New Energy Transport says it will roll out 20 electric prime movers with mobile ultra-fast charging units across NSW, aiming for trucks on the road before end-2026. Defence Aviation Supply Chain: GA-ASI’s Gambit “loyal wingman” bid for Germany gains support from INTEC for mission systems integration and sustainment.

Maritime & Energy Markets: Asia’s shares jumped and oil slid after a tentative US-Iran peace framework was announced, with talk of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending a US naval blockade—though details on “toll-free” shipping and other sticking points remain unclear, keeping insurers and shipping firms cautious. Competition & Remote Freight: The ACCC has pushed Sea Swift to amend Northern Territory and Far North Queensland sea freight contracts after concerns about anti-competitive restrictions that could raise costs for remote communities, including First Nations customers. Capital Markets & Infrastructure: ASX Ltd will pay a $20.5m penalty for misleading the market about delays to the CHESS clearing and settlement upgrade, a major change to Australia’s financial market plumbing. Food & Logistics Tech: Fresho has acquired UK wholesaler software provider Nation Wilcox, expanding its AI order-management platform across the UK food supply chain. Circular Economy: Goterra has entered voluntary administration after failing to raise funds for its on-site food-waste-to-fertiliser and protein network, which is designed to cut landfill and transport emissions. EV & Charging: Xiaomi is preparing an automated home charging robotic arm for late 2026, aiming to remove plug-in friction as EV uptake grows.

High-Speed Rail Push: Australia’s new High Speed Rail Authority has been given a $462m preparatory budget to plan a 194km Sydney–Newcastle line, targeting a 60-minute trip and aiming to ease commuting pressure and housing strain. Fuel Relief at Risk: Nationals MP David Littleproud is urging the Albanese government to extend fuel excise relief beyond July 1, warning the end could lift petrol costs by about 32 cents a litre and flow through to grocery prices. LNG Supply Diplomacy: Labor is sending senior officials across Asia to calm concerns about a looming gas-reservation scheme that would require LNG exporters to hold back supply for domestic use. Waste Export Fight: Fiji has rejected Australia’s proposal to ship non-recyclable waste to burn for energy, calling it “waste imperialism” and warning of health and environmental impacts. Shark Safety Measures: NSW says “nothing is off the table” after a serious Coogee Beach shark attack, with shark nets planned from September 1 alongside drone surveillance and tagging. Transport & Logistics Watch: KPMG withdrew an agentic AI study after claims were challenged, including fake citations—another reminder of reliability risks for firms advising transport and logistics clients.

Road Safety & Health: NSW is moving ahead with a three-strikes approach for medicinal cannabis drivers, but clinicians warn the 24-hour driving ban for positive THC tests could cause serious disruption and risk. Maritime & Transport Supply: Australia faces a potential shortage of critical lubricants as base-oil prices rise and supplies tighten, with knock-on risk for everything from cars to mining and agriculture. Fuel & Logistics Costs: Transport industry calls are growing for support as the federal fuel excise relief ends June 30, with warnings that any easing won’t be immediate due to supply-chain lag. Aviation Safety: Regulators and Boeing have agreed on a fix after bird-strike-related fume incidents on 737 MAX aircraft, but rollout won’t be complete for two years—some planes operating in Australia are affected. Trade & Business Links: The Australia–Qatar Business Association hosted a networking push on bilateral trade and investment, flagging opportunities across infrastructure, energy, healthcare and finance. Infrastructure Delivery: Stantec and Jacobs won a Melbourne Water infrastructure planning and delivery program to support long-term water and sewer growth. Public Safety: NSW is not ruling out shark culls after a critical attack at Coogee Beach, while mitigation plans include nets, drone surveillance and tagging.