The National Customs Brokers Course: An E-Learning Model

Abstract

The liberalization of Australia's economy began in the 1980's by the abolition of protectionist trade barriers. Changes to tariff barriers and duty rates had a significant impact on international trade facilitation service providers, such as licenced customs brokers. In Australia, to operate as a customs broker, an individual must firstly complete a course of study prescribed under the Australian Customs Act 1901, and additionally pass a national examination. This paper discusses the introduction of a revised national customs brokers course, and in particular, the development of an e-learning method of delivery by a private education provider. The main benefits and possible shortfalls of the specific e-learning approach pursued are outlined, together with a summary of feedback from students across a number of units of study. The paper concludes that the e-learning approach offered through this course of study may assist in the development of communities of practice, thereby potentially offering additional benefits to those available through traditional classroom based studies.