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Relaxed curfew extension push for Victoria

Britnell seeks government move to ensure heavy vehicles remain unhindered

 

Temporary changes to truck curfews to be extended to ensure Victorians can still get quick access to food and medical supplies, state opposition ports and freight spokesperson Roma Britnell makes plain.

Curfews placed on heavy vehicles were relaxed on March 21, in response to the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Coalition notes that in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee COVID-19 Response Inquiry, the Minister for the Coordination of Transport – COVID-19, Jacinta Allan, “quietly announced” that the curfews would be put back in place on September 21.

“Now that we are in a second wave of COVID-19, we know that demand for consumer goods will be heightened well beyond September. It’s essential that, when they venture out, people will be able to get the products where and when they need,” Britnell says.

“We have seen the issues created for the freight and retail industries when the NSW and SA borders were closed to Victorians at short notice.

“The confusion these closures created caused great concern to the freight and retail industries and consumers alike.

“The relaxed curfews are doing their job now, but this job will still need to be done in October and beyond.

“I am calling for Jacinta Allan and [ports and freight minister] Melissa Horne to come out now and announce the extension.

“This will stop any risk of panic buying before it occurs again.”


Early signs of COVID-19 transport disruption back in March


Britnell also points to retail goods distribution centres shutting down because of positive COVID-19 contacts, transport drivers who were struck down with COVID-19 and increased demand for vital consumer goods.

“The only way to stop panic buying occurring is to ensure our supermarket shelves are stocked at all times,” Britnell says.

“The only way this can be guaranteed is if deliveries can be made outside regular hours.”

 

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