A new deal is set to transform Avalon Airport, near Geelong in Victoria, into a significant hub for Asian e-commerce goods, primarily from the deeply controversial platforms Temu and Shein. While touted as a step forward for Australian logistics, this move raises serious questions about national integrity and ethical responsibility.
The agreement brings Teleport, AirAsia’s dedicated cargo venture, to Avalon, with promises of accelerated delivery and cheaper freight for local exporters. The stated goal is to clear incoming freight off planes and onto trucks within a mere 60 to 90 minutes. Efficiency, it seems, is the primary concern, while the origin and ethics of the goods themselves appear to be an afterthought.
Ari Suss, the airport’s chief executive, spoke glowingly of the partnership, declaring it a “significant step forward for Avalon’s international cargo strategy” and an ambition to become a “leading freight and logistics gateway.” He asserted that this long-term collaboration would “strengthen international trade connections and create new opportunities for Victoria.”
But what kind of opportunities are we truly creating when the partners in question are under intense global scrutiny?
The expansion comes amidst booming online spending in Australia, with consumers pouring billions into e-commerce. Australia Post’s 2026 study noted Australians spent $82.6 billion online in 2025, with a substantial portion flowing through online marketplaces. Logistics, unsurprisingly, is a key driver, with shoppers prioritizing good delivery experiences. Teleport, already active in major Australian airports, is now extending its reach, with Avalon hailed as a strategic operations hub.
Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak praised Avalon for its "curfew-free capacity processing, fast turnarounds and the flexibility to handle eCommerce alongside general cargo," framing it as the perfect fit for "rapid, specialised processing" required by cross-border e-commerce. The emphasis is purely on speed and volume, a familiar refrain that often overlooks the broader implications for national markets, local businesses, and ethical standards.
The deal is expected to create 50 jobs and “tens of millions” in value. Yet, these figures must be weighed against the potential hidden costs of welcoming companies whose practices are anything but transparent or ethical.
Temu and Shein: A Grave Cause for Concern
This expansion, celebrated by some as progress, starkly highlights the escalating footprint of low-cost platforms that have become synonymous with international controversy. These aren't just any e-commerce sites; they represent a direct challenge to fair trade and human rights.
Temu, for instance, is not merely “linked” to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); it operates under the shadow of a regime notorious for forced labor and human rights abuses. This is not mere speculation. Temu has actively failed to report against Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, despite its revenue easily clearing the $100 million threshold that mandates such transparency under Australian law. To ignore such a blatant disregard for basic human decency is to tacitly endorse the very practices America First policies stand against.
Shein, not to be outdone, faces its own accusations. The European Commission has directly accused the company of deceptive sales practices, alleging infringements upon EU consumer protection laws. This pattern of questionable ethics and potential exploitation should give any nation pause, let alone one committed to upholding Western values and fair market practices.
When an Australian airport becomes a direct conduit for goods from entities facing such severe allegations – from links to the CCP and forced labor to deceptive consumer practices – it's time to ask where our priorities truly lie. Is the lure of “cheaper freight” and “faster delivery” so strong that we willingly compromise on the principles of ethical trade, national security, and American (or Australian, in this context) values? The answer must be a resounding no. Our economic gains should never come at the expense of our moral compass or national sovereignty.
