The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has congratulated new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and says it’s looking forward to working with a new transport minister to help tackle numerous industry issues.
NatRoad chairman Scott Davidson said his association wants transport to be a stand-alone portfolio with cabinet status in view of the importance of road transport during the worst stages of the pandemic.
“Road transport confirmed its status as an essential service that kept the country moving so the status of the ministry should reflect that,” Davidson said.
“We also repeat our post-Budget call for the Fuel Tax Credit to be restored immediately.
“The impact of zeroing out the credit is now only just being felt by NatRoad members completing their Business Activity Statements (BAS).
“This was an issue we pushed hard for the previous government to fix before going into caretaker mode.
“Road transport operators already under extremer financial stress can’t deal with this unfair hit to their cash flow.”
Davidson added any measures by the new government to revive the stalled Heavy Vehicle National Law reform process would be welcome as would steps to improve safety.
“We are best placed at the forefront to help work through planning for industry.
“We note calls for a tribunal and NatRoad would welcome the opportunity to participate with planning of this tribunal. This will ensure the best result for industry, government and all concerned.
“We also want the Unfair Contracts legislation that stalled under the previous Government to be revived.”