15 November
Retail Logistics Supply Chain Code of Conduct launched

Three major retailers and two transport giants have come together to sign a code of conduct that supports safety in the retail logistics supply chain.

Woolworth’s, Coles Myer, Metcash, Toll Holdings and Linfox are the inaugural signatories of the newly launched Retail Logistics Supply Chain Code of Conduct (the Code)

Mr. Steve Bradley, Chief Logistics and Information Officer for Woolworth’s said “ It is significant that while the signatories have been and will be fierce competitors, they were prepared to take a leadership role and collaborate on developing the code, making safety an issue of common interest.” Mr. Bradley was speaking at the launch of the Code in Melbourne on 14 November,

The ten-point code supports a clear chain of responsibility in freight logistics, which involves all parties in the operation from the supplier and retailer to the carrier and logistics provider. In setting clear operational and administrative guidelines for compliance with the spirit and letter of law, the code recognises the importance of public safety and amenity in retail logistics operations.

Reiterating the commitment of Toll Holdings to the code, group managing director Mr. Paul Little said that the code was an opportunity for industry to self regulate and embrace the challenge to ensure safety through a concept that would engage everyone involved in the process including customers, in this case the retail industry.

Speaking at the launch, chairman of the ALC Mr. Ivan Backman said, “Australian companies have always maintained their commitment to safety as a priority. However, the passing of the chain of responsibility laws offered an opportunity for industry to respond in a coordinated way to produce a clear and equitable alignment of responsibility for carriage of goods within the chain.”  He said that the code would help to raise the public profile of the industry and attract more capable people to join the industry workforce.

Earlier, introducing the code, Mr. Hal Morris, Executive Director of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) said that the code arose from a need for a consistent national standard and that the challenge would really lie in implementing the guidelines and drawing more companies to sign on to the code. The Australian Logistics Council was the facilitator of the drafting process and will administer the code, supporting signatories to maintain compliance with the code over time.

The launch was attended by a veritable who’s who of the freight logistics and retail industries. The high level of interest in the code evinced on the evening bodes well for the broadening of participation in the code.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Anji Kurian