Managing supply chain disruption: Lessons from COVID-19 and building supply chain resilience
Recent developments have impacted freight and logistics on a similar scale to what was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For exporters, the situation today is different than in 2020, but many principles remain the same.
In this webinar, Marg Staib and Michael Byrne (former heads of the International Freight Assistant Mechanism) and industry expert Mark Coleman join Austrade’s Jay Meek to examine:
what lessons from COVID-19 we should apply to today’s challenges
what can be done to build future supply chain resilience.
Following an update on the current operating environment, our speakers will share their specialist insights as part of a live panel/Q&A session. Austrade's Georgia Willis will moderate the session.
Key topics
Current global supply chain conditions and implications for capacity, reliability and routing
Lessons government and industry can take from COVID-19
Practical advice on what exporters should factor into short- and medium-term planning
Who it's for
This event is for Australian exporters navigating increased supply chain volatility. It's particularly relevant for SMEs in the agricultural sector.
Speakers
Jay Meek
General Manager, Trade Diversification Taskforce, Austrade
Jay is General Manager of the Trade Diversification Taskforce at Austrade. He was formerly Austrade's General Manager of Strategy and Design, where he supported the development and implementation of Austrade’s vision and strategic direction.
Before joining Austrade, Jay was the Deputy Secretary of Trade Victoria in the Victorian Government. There he managed 23 international offices and more than 200 staff.
Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture from the University of Adelaide. He has held a number of senior commercial and government positions in his career.
Michael Byrne AM
Former International Freight Coordinator General
Michael has a distinguished 30-year career in executive positions in Australia and internationally in the logistics, supply chain, retail and property sectors. His previous roles include Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Toll Group Holdings, Chief Executive Officer of Coates Hire, Linfox and Westgate Holdings, and Non-Executive Director of Australia Post.
He has experience guiding Australian exporters through turbulence. He led the Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism through the COVID pandemic.
Michael currently serves on numerous boards. These include NSW Ports and Peel Ports UK, Sydney Airport, CBH Group and the National Intermodal Corporation.
Margaret Staib AM
Former Australian Government Freight Controller
Margaret has a distinguished 30-year career in the Royal Australian Air Force. This culminated in her appointment as Commander Joint Logistics for the Australian Defence Force.
In 2020, she was appointed the Australian Government Freight Controller during the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguarding critical supply chains.
Margaret is currently the President of the Royal Aeronautical Society Australia Division and Chair of the Australian Logistics Council. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Sydney Airport.
Her previous roles include CEO and MD of Airservices Australia, and directorships with the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Mark Coleman
Director of ICAL International Customs and Logistics
Mark is an export expert, with more than 30 years of international trade experience.
He has both the practical and academic expertise necessary to educate exporters and importers on navigating the complexities of international trade and transportation.
Mark owns the Melbourne-based international freight forwarding and customs brokerage business ICAL International Customs and Logistics.
Georgia Willis
Senior Adviser, Austrade
Georgia is a Strategy Performance Senior Adviser at Austrade. She has experience delivering programs across the resources and energy sectors, critical minerals, and international freight support. This includes the International Freight Assistance Mechanism.
She previously worked in policy and project roles with the Western Australian Government.
Georgia holds a double degree in Commerce (International Business) and Arts (Chinese), and has studied and worked in China and Hong Kong.
