Industry welcomes senator Lambie's support to terminate the minimum rates order
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie says she will vote in favour of abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) and the immediate scrapping of the Contractor Driver Minimum Payments Road Safety Remuneration Order 2016 (RSRO).
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) welcomes Lambie’s remarks, which came after a meeting with the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) CEO Warren Clark yesterday.
During the meeting, Clark urged the Parliament to make a quick decision next week to get rid of the legislation and give the Nation Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) the authority make substantial efforts in the way of road safety.
“If the Parliament can make a quick decision next week to get rid of this [RSRT], then the government, the industry, and the Union should get together to give authority to the NHVR to actually make some real changes in the area of road safety,” Clark says.
Pledging her support, the senator from Tasmania is now calling on the Liberals to support the abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012 and to “stop playing political games” with the lives of thousands of Australian trucking families.
Lambie’s comment come after prime minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that he would abolish the Tribunal if re-elected during the July election.
The ATA says it was pleased that senators Glenn Lazarus and Lambie have publicly advocated the immediate abolition of the tribunal and the RSRO, rather than a delay in implementation.
“The Road Safety Remuneration Order is already forcing many owner drivers out of the industry, and is causing enormous financial and personal hardship on thousands more throughout Australia,” ATA CEO Christopher Melham says.
“We are delighted to hear Senators Lazarus and Lambie publicly advocating the immediate abolition of the RSRT, rather than a delay.
“Their support for abolishing the Tribunal now, and not waiting until after the election, is a clear indication that they also support the tens of thousands of owner drivers who help carry the weight of this nation.
“I remain hopeful that all independent senators will support a bill to abolish the RSRT now.
“The ATA will continue its discussions with independent senators over the next week, which include practical measures to address concerns about the lack of market power of some small trucking businesses.
“I also call on financial institutions to show compassion regarding the terrible financial plight some owner drivers find themselves in as a result of the pay order, and urge them to refrain from any adverse action until this mess is sorted out.”