October 20th 2024.
Customs brokers play a crucial role in protecting our country, but you may not have heard much about them. While Border Force workers are well-known, customs brokers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. They are responsible for ensuring that goods can enter our country smoothly and efficiently, which is vital for a nation that relies heavily on imports.
The job of a customs broker is complex and challenging. They are tasked with navigating through a maze of customs regulations, making sure that businesses comply with all necessary requirements, and helping them avoid costly delays and penalties. Whether it's cars, food, or furniture, customs brokers are the gateway for all kinds of goods coming into our country from abroad.
According to Renee Wilson, a customs broker, people often don't realize they need a customs broker until they actually need one. Wilson explained that customs brokers are responsible for getting goods through customs, determining what duties, taxes, and quarantine regulations apply to them. It's a job that requires extensive knowledge and expertise, and there is currently a shortage of professionals in this field.
As of July, there were only 1551 licensed customs brokers in Australia, and more than half of them are over 50 and approaching retirement age. Kelly Crossley, owner of freight company Transitainer, stated that this shortage will have a significant impact on the country as a whole. She warned that a shortage of customs brokers would cause major problems for the cargo coming into our country.
Despite the challenges of the job, being a customs broker comes with many attractive benefits. With an average salary of $100,000, a company car, superannuation payments, and a phone, it's a rewarding career choice. Crossley also highlighted the flexibility of the job, as it can be done from home. The qualification for becoming a customs broker is completing an online Diploma of Customs Broking course, which takes two years and costs less than $3000. This provides a great opportunity for those looking for a lucrative and flexible career path.
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