Emphasis on vehicle charging reform, infrastructure improvements and prompt payments
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is looking for the returned Coalition government to stick to its policy commitments now its re-election is resolved.
The Coalition gained three ATA ‘ticks’ before the poll on continued rejection of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) “or any similar price fixing mechanism”, practical road safety measures, and building stronger trucking businesses.
“The Coalition committed to spend an extra $4 million a year on truck safety measures, with the money coming from the abolition of the RSRT,” ATA CEO Christopher Melham says in congratulating prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government.
“These safety measures must now be locked down.
“In the industry’s view, the NHVR should be charged with co-ordinating an information campaign for car drivers about how to share the road safely with trucks.
“The campaign should run nationally, including in WA and the NT.”
Melham is looked forward to the new government working with the industry to address the business challenges faced by trucking operators.
“The vast majority of trucking operators are small businesses,” Melham says.
“They can face extended payment terms, but still need to pay their own creditors.
“The ATA has called for the development of a mandatory code under the Competition and Consumer Act to cover payment terms for these businesses, including a ban on unfair set offs and pay when paid arrangements.
“The Government must also continue to work on eliminating the overcharging of truck and bus operators.
“In addition, the Government must work with the states to improve the way infrastructure projects are selected and funded. Sound infrastructure investment is essential for lifting Australia’s productivity, but governments have to build the right projects at the right price.”