Doctor of Philosophy (Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences - Lab Based)

The research report published in 2014 by researchers from the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies at Charles Sturt University became a catalyst for a reversal of the Australian Government's earlier decision to not introduce an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, ultimately leading to the introduction of the Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Program in 2015.

Between 2015 and 2025, the Australian Trusted Trader programme is expected to deliver an increase in household consumption of $2.2 billion, as well as additional business investment of almost $1 billion, a direct industry impact of $2.9 billion, and associated regulatory savings of $42.2 million.

Funding was provided by the Australian International Trade and Transport Industry Development Fund and Charles Sturt University, with major industry associations including the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc., the Export Council of Australia, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

To date, over 600 companies have joined the ATT program, with accredited companies receiving expedited customs clearance and fewer checks.

The key researchers were David Widdowson, Bryce Blegen, and Mikhail Kashubsky from the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies at Charles Sturt University, along with Andrew Grainger from the University of Nottingham, U.K., who together published the influential report in 2014.