I extend my congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Labor Government on their historic victory in the recent federal election, along with Catherine King for retaining her transport, infrastructure and regional development portfolio.
This win marks a significant milestone for Australia, and we are eager to work collaboratively with the new government to shape the future of transport.
The transport industry is the backbone of our economy, and its efficient functioning is crucial for the prosperity of all Australians. With the election now decided, it is time to focus on driving growth, productivity, and sustainability. The VTA has identified several key priorities that we believe are essential for achieving these goals.
One of our primary focuses should be on productivity improvements and fostering intermodal connectivity. Integrating road, rail, air, and sea transport will ensure seamless freight movement, which is vital for maintaining and improving the standard of living for all Australians.
The development and implementation of a comprehensive intermodal strategy are crucial. This strategy should support the integration of various transport modes to handle increasing freight volumes effectively.
There is an urgent need for transport reform to drive productivity, efficiency, and safety improvements within the road freight industry. It is essential for statutory bodies to have a greater understanding and direct engagement with the industry’s needs.
Currently, there is a disconnect between these bodies and the road freight industry, as evidenced by their agendas and outputs.
For example, the National Transport Commission’s review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law has been ongoing for eight years with no significant improvements.
Similarly, Austroads has been reviewing the heavy vehicle national driver competency framework for decades, yet heavy vehicle drivers are still not being adequately trained before being licensed.
Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to align the objectives of statutory bodies with the practical needs of the road freight industry. By fostering a collaborative approach, we can develop policies and initiatives that truly benefit the industry and enhance its productivity, efficiency, and safety.
Another critical area that requires attention is the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). We believe that a modernised HVNL should focus on risk-based regulations, streamlined processes, and greater flexibility for operators.
By adopting a more pragmatic approach, we can create a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth while maintaining high safety standards.
- Peter Anderson is CEO, Victorian Transport Association