WA Supply Chain Covid Response Group daily update – 7 April 2020

• Our Demand for Air Freight survey was sent out today. Its purpose is to engage industry to gauge what their needs are for inbound air freight capacity that is not currently being met. You can complete the survey here.
• The procurement protocols for the supply of hygiene and sanitisation products is almost finalised. We’ll soon be going out to industry with an Expression of Interest to those who want to and are able to participate.
• Today we briefed senior officials at Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communities on our data model and how we can partner to access national data.
• We’re continuing work on finalising the Driver Exchange Program and are working on the commercial elements of the proposed Program in conjunction with industry.
• FLCWA continues to provide support to The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development via the Food Security Working Group.
• The Scenario Planning Group met today to discuss the whole of supply chain risk identification and mitigation. Three priority risk areas have been identified for immediate attention. These are:
  • Reduced workforce availability due to COVID-19 infections.
  • Disrupted access to a critical route, service, terminal or distribution point with limited or no alternative/substitute.
  • Commercial distress.
• Working groups are being established to consider implications of the risks over a number of time horizons and identify mitigation actions.

A huge effort from many businesses, both within our Member network and externally, has gone into keeping freight moving in response to Covid-19. Today we’d like to acknowledge the efforts of PWC, who have been invaluable in supporting the WA Supply Chain Covid Response Group’s initiatives including the Driver Exchange Program, the development of procurement protocols for the supply of hygiene and sanitation products and assisting in the Scenario Planning risk identification and mitigation.