Decision on where to establish a new national truck regulator delayed by governments
By Brad Gardner December 7 | 2009
The nation’s leaders have put off a decision on where to establish a heavy vehicle regulator, as more details emerge on a new road charging scheme.
Meeting in Brisbane today, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to defer a decision on a single heavy vehicle regulator until at least the first half of 2010.
New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have all expressed interest in hosting the regulator, which will be responsible for passing uniform laws and then requiring other jurisdictions to follow.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) last week urged COAG to move ahead on national reforms, which have the potential to slash business costs and increase productivity by abolishing cross-border inconsistencies.
However, COAG did agree to the COAG Road Reform Plan, which will look at the benefits of direct charging.
“Under the plan, a feasibility study for alternative models of road pricing and funding will be completed by December 2011, which should include specific consideration of mass-distance location pricing,” the communiqué from the meeting reads.
COAG also agreed that South Australia should host the national rail safety regulator.
However, government leaders will delay a decision on the single regulator until 2011. It will be “considered”, according to the communiqué.
Government leaders did agree to strengthen the national regulators’ panel during the period a rail regulator is established to improve harmonisation in the sector.
“COAG further agreed to resolve a number of policy, legislation, governance and funding issues in the implementation stage, including the role of state ministers,” the communiqué says.
According to the group, it has taken more steps towards implementing a national system capable of reducing costs and lifting productivity without jeopardising safety.