The HVIA CEO says the budget focuses on critical areas in the transport industry
The Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) is commending the Federal government for focusing on jobs, skills and training in the 2022 budget this week.
This comes despite many in the transport industry lamenting the budget for not doing enough for sustainable transport and companies.
The HVIA says the budget offers business encouragement to take on new apprentices and to upskill existing workers.
“There is a lot in the budget for our members to work with. Our industry is in desperate need of new skilled workers and these initiatives are designed to ramp up the pipeline of apprentices that underpin our future workforce,” HVIA CEO Todd Hacking says.
“There are also focused initiatives in there towards training existing workers to ensure they are equipped with the skills to be a part of the next phase in our industry’s future.”
The HVIA says it is looking at the skillsets and training needed to service fleets that will be dominated by battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in future.
The need for skilled migration is another factor necessary of funding according to the HVIA, with the industry needing to fill current vacancies in the workforce.
“The budget announcements have some welcome investment opportunities for small business and some announcements that reflect the evolving needs of the workforce including a more flexible approach to maternity leave,” Hacking says.
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“The relief at the bowser through a temporary reduction in fuel excise will not only make a big difference to fleet operators, but the impact will also make a difference all the way down the supply chain.”
Despite these welcome areas of funding, the HCIA says there are still areas that require investment for the future of the freight and transport industry.
“Roads and infrastructure investment remain an absolute priority if we are to improve safety and productivity,” Hocking says.
“The government has recognised that by investing in our national network, supported by a program to build bridges that will enable the safest, most productive vehicles into regional areas.”