The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) recently hosted the annual Supply Chain Summit 2024, a pivotal event on the supply chain, transport, and freight logistics industry calendar. Themed “The Productivity Sustainability Paradox,” the Summit brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore the complex interplay between achieving productivity and sustainability.

This year’s Summit, held in Melbourne, was opened by ALC’s new Independent Chair, Margaret Staib AM CSC. The event featured esteemed ALC Members: Saul Cannon, CEO of Port of Melbourne, who entertained us as the MC, and Neil Stephens, CEO of Port of Brisbane, who wrapped up the day with insight, inspiration, and important calls to action.

Industry leaders engaged in thought-provoking discussions on a range of critical issues. Additionally, the ALC’s prestigious awards ceremony and an unforgettable Gala Dinner added to the event’s significance.

We were also thrilled to announce our newly minted partnerships with Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds and Foodbank Australia.

Keynote Speakers

The summit featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the day’s discussions:

1. The Hon. Catherine King MP - Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, opened the Summit with a comprehensive overview of the government's initiatives to support investment in key infrastructure and supply chain programs. Of note, Minister King announced the National Freight & Supply Chain Strategy Review Report highlighting 6 recommendations:
   1. Recommendation 1: Amendments to the Strategy’s Goals
   1. Recommendation 2: Reflect the National Urban Freight Planning Principles in the refreshed Strategy.
   1. Recommendation 3: Expand and strengthen interoperability in the refreshed Strategy to advance ongoing work.
   1. Recommendation 4: Focus on data - implement KPIs and a working group for continued monitoring.
   1. Recommendation 5: Agree on the following National Priority Action Areas to replace the current Critical Action Areas: Decarbonisation, Productivity, Resilience and Data
   1. Recommendation 6: Develop new Terms of Reference,retain current governance structure and strengthen role of FIRP to support implementation
      
      
2. Jim Betts - Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, followed with a deep dive and highly interactive discussion into policy frameworks and strategic infrastructure investments that aim to balance productivity with environmental stewardship.
   
   
3. Christine Holgate - CEO of Team Global Express, provided industry insights on how industry-leading companies are innovating to meet the dual challenges of increasing efficiency while reducing carbon footprints, in particular in the face of constantly changing climate conditions. Of note, Ms Holgate’s presentation was a call to arms to industry and government alike to not be bystanders. Everyone has a responsibility to not let Australia fall so far behind the sustainability and decarbonisation wave that we won’t be able to catch up.
   
   
4. Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie - Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, highlighted the importance of regional logistics networks and their role in achieving nationwide sustainability goals.
   
   
5. Michael Byrne - Independent Director & Global Strategic Advisor, concluded the keynote sessions with a compelling presentation on global productivity inputs and impacts. Later discussing the future of logistics, emphasising the need for collaboration across global supply chains and the investment in our most valued commodity – people.

Panel Discussions

The summit featured three in-depth panel discussions, each addressing crucial aspects of the productivity-sustainability nexus:

Panel 1: Navigating the Productivity Sustainability Paradox: Featuring:

• Bruno Porchietto –CEO Victoria International Container Terminal
• Veronique Spears –Operational Excellence Leadership Partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)
• James Baulderstone –CEO, National Intermodal Corporation
• Sari Mackay –Managing Director – Strategy & Consulting, Supply Chain, Procurement & Operations Lead (ANZ), Accenture

This panel explored strategies and technologies to drive efficiency while mitigating environmental impact. Industry leaders shared their experiences and best practices, emphasizing innovation and collaborative efforts.

Panel 2: Social Responsibility in the Global Commercial Landscape. Featuring:

• Andrew Harding – Managing Director & CEO, Aurizon
• Videlina Georgieva – Managing Director, Svitzer Australia
• Shane Walden – Managing Director, ANL Container Line and CMA CGM Group Agencies Oceania
• Christopher Hogarty – Executive General Manager – Strategy & Supply Chain, NTI

Panelists discussed the growing importance of social responsibility, focusing on ethical supply chain practices, community engagement, and the role of businesses in promoting social equity and environmental justice.

Panel 3: Striking the Right Balance: Challenges and Opportunities. Featuring:

• Marika Calfas – CEO, NSW Ports
• Margaret Staib – Independent Chairperson, ALC
• Nicolaj Noes – Executive Vice President, Oceania, APAC, DP World
• Simon Ormsby – Group Executive Interstate Network, ARTC

The final panel tackled the real-world challenges of balancing productivity with sustainability. Experts highlighted both the obstacles and opportunities that come with implementing sustainable practices without compromising on productivity.

Gala Dinner and Awards

Culminating the day’s activity, the Gala Dinner and Awards night was a true celebration honouring individuals and organisations excelling in various categories:

1. ESG Award (sponsored by NSW Ports): ANL was recognised for their exceptional commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.
2. Innovation Award (sponsored by NTI): This category had two winners: NSW Ports with Patrick Terminals for their collaborative efforts in rail innovation, and Port of Brisbane with Qube, O’Phee Trailers & the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for their pioneering London project.
3. Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds Wellbeing Award: Toll Group was celebrated for their initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing within the logistics industry.
4. Rising Star Award: Noah Heldt (Linfox) was acknowledged for his promising contributions and potential in the logistics field.
5. Wayfinder Champion (Individual) Award: Iresha Gunasekara (CCEP) was honored for her outstanding leadership and impact in promoting diversity and inclusion in logistics.
6. Wayfinder Champion (Company) Award: Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) received this award for their exemplary efforts in advancing gender equality and supporting women in the logistics sector.

Conclusion

The ALC Supply Chain Summit 2024 concluded on an optimistic note, with a call to action for all stakeholders in the supply chain, transport and freight logistics industry to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The insights and discussions from Summit underscored that while the productivity-sustainability paradox presents significant challenges, it also offers immense opportunities for those willing to lead the way.

As the industry moves forward, the themes and takeaways from this summit will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, inspiring continued efforts towards a more productive and sustainable future.