Oceania: Transport

The Fair Work Commission has introduced time-sensitive new rules, called the Road Transport Contractual Chain Order (RTCCO), that came into effect on 21 April 2026. They are legally binding, and breaches can attract penalties. This article explains who the order covers, what you must do, and how to protect your business from penalties.

The Fair Work Commission recently held an engagement conference to address urgent implementation and interpretation issues arising under the Road Transport Contractual Chain Order – Fuel Cost Recovery – 2026.

The Fair Work Commission (Commission) has made a historic intrusion into contractual arrangements by making a road transport contractual chain order (RTCCO) which came into force from 21 April 2026.

A recent decision from the NSW Court of Appeal held that Article 9 of the relevant IATA Standard Group Handling Agreement (SGHA) was not a binding arbitration agreement within the meaning of the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth). The decision is of importance to carriers and ground handlers operating under that wording, including in international aviation ground handling arrangements.

Welcome to the first in our series of articles on the Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026 and its 3 related bills (ACP Bill package), a proposed reform intended to establish a new aviation consumer protection framework in Australia.

Australia’s aviation industry is heavily regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”). CASA is responsible for aviation safety compliance, enforcement, and the investigation of alleged breaches...

The High Court of Australia has handed down judgment in the much-anticipated decision of CSL Australia Pty Ltd v Tasmanian Ports Corporation Pty Ltd [2026] HCA 15 (The Goliath). It has unanimously dismissed CSL Australia Pty Ltd’s appeal. As such, under Australian law, a shipowner cannot limit its liability for wreck removal expenses under the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976.

The Fair Work Commission has issued an emergency road transport contractual chain order requiring businesses in the road transport industry to adjust rates to account for increased fuel costs arising from Middle East conflicts. This order applies broadly across road transport contractual chains, imposing immediate obligations on primary and secondary parties to ensure fuel cost recovery flows through the supply chain.

Time limits for Australian shipping claims vary by claim type, location & contract, so both must be carefully considered.