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LNP pledges to protect truckies and cut payroll taxes

LNP government pledges to target 'over zealous' enforcement officers and cut payroll tax

By Michael House

“Over zealous” enforcement officers penalising truck drivers for minor work diary infringements will be targeted under a Liberal National Party (LNP) in Queensland.

This is the message from opposition spokeswoman on main roads and transport Fiona Simpson as she attempts to rally support for the LNP’s policies before Saturday’s Queensland election.

In an interview with ATN, Simpson laid out the Opposition’s policies and promised a major shakeup of the transport industry, saying she will consult all industry stakeholders to implement positive changes and ensure drivers are not victimised.

“While the LNP supports the log book regime, we are also aware of instances where enforcement has been far too severe, inappropriate and unrelated to driver or public safety,” Simpson says.

“This compromises the intention of the log book regime and sours the regulation in the eyes of industry stakeholders, not least of which are the drivers themselves.”

Simpson says an LNP government will keep the work diary system in place but ensure officers are “properly trained and educated about the intent of the system and take every step to prevent over zealous enforcement”.

Simpson has also flagged slashing payroll taxes to promote economic growth and says the LNP will keep the 8.34 cents per litre fuel subsidy in place.

“The LNP well understands the demands of the Queensland trucking industry and through its policies will do all it can to optimise opportunities for the hard working, owners, drivers and other people involved in the industry,” Simpson says.

The Opposition also plans on investing in rest areas, with Simpson saying it is essential to increase safety in the industry.

She says the LNP will consult the industry to develop a priority list and assess the best locations for rest areas.

ATN has also asked Minister for Transport John Mickel to outline Labor’s policies. However, he has not yet responded.

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