Acting PM calls for support of trucking industry

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, has backed the Australian trucking industry in a keynote speech and acknowledged freight and logistics as an essential contributor to the Australian economy.

McCormack delivered his comments last week at the Trucking Australia conference hosted by the Australian Trucking Association. Highlighting the complexity and crucial importance of heavy vehicle road reform, McCormack acknowledged the Government’s commitment to funding upgrades to the road network and its support for introducing independent regulation of heavy vehicle charges.

“It’s estimated that for every 1 per cent increase in efficiency in the transport and logistics sector, GDP is boosted by $1 billion,” ATA Chair, Geoff Crouch said. “It is reassuring to know the Federal Government understands the importance of sustained productivity, profitability and success for transport operators.”

The Acting Prime Minister praised the ATA and its members on its new initiatives like fatigue hackathon and its work in partnership with the Australian Logistics Council including the development of a new master safety code of practice.

“The ATA thanks the Acting Prime Minister for acknowledging the work of the ATA as one of the most respected industry bodies in Australia,” Mr Crouch said. “We welcome the commitment from the highest levels of Government in ensuring the road freight industry remain viable and sustainable.”