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Labor puts RSRT case to ALRTA

ALRTA warns industry of Labor's stance on RSRT ahead of the July elections

 

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) urges industry members to voice their opinion on the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) before the local candidates ahead of next month’s federal elections after Labor indicates it plans to reinstate the minimum rates order.

In its response to ALRTA’s query regarding Labor’s stance on the subject of the Contractor Driver Minimum Payments Road Safety Remuneration Order 2016 (RSRO) and the RSRT, the party says the decision to abolish the tribunal was “disproportionate” and “dangerous”.

Labor’s official letter addressed to ALRTA national president Kevin Keenan states that while the party concedes there were deficiencies with the order, particularly with the implementation process, it intends to “work with all parties to find a workable, sensible solution”.

“Labor has committed to working with employers, employer groups and unions to bring back a bipartisan forum to establish safe rates of pay in the heavy vehicle industry,” the letter states.

“On heavy vehicle charging, Labor has called on the federal government and the states and territories to account to the heavy vehicle sector for its decisions around the road user charge.

“Labor will approach the matter in light of our record, the commitments we have made and the state of the Budget.”

It condemns prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and employment minister Michaelia Cash’s involvement in the move that led to the federal parliament voting out the tribunal and its controversial ‘safe rates’ order in April.

“A government, and a minister who was genuinely concerned with the interests and safety of truck drivers, would have done what Labor suggested and brought all parties together to seek a fair and sensible solution.”

Labor says it understand the concerns raised by many owner-drivers and is willing to find a workable solution.

“Governments have a responsibility to respond to and ensure road safety, based on the evidence and community standards,” the letter says.

“Labor understands that many owner-drivers had expressed concern regarding the effect of the tribunal’s most recent Road Safety Remuneration Order on the profitability of their business.

“Labor conceded there were deficiencies with the order, particularly the implementation arrangements and we consistently said we’d like to work with all parties to find a workable, sensible solution.”

Considering the two major political parties, Liberals and Labor, still don’t see eye-to-eye in this matter, ALRTA is asking members of the trucking industry to present their views to all local candidates prior to the elections.

The ALRTA says “there are a lot of individuals that make up the Federal Parliament and we may yet finish up with yet another minority government after the election. 

“Remember that there is both a double dissolution AND new voting rules – so nothing is a certainty.

“That is why it is important for you to make your views about the possible return of the RSRT known to your local candidates now – before any possible negotiations to form a government begin”.

 

 

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