Australian transport ministers must consider the whole of the supply chain when implementing their new national framework for transport policy,
Australian transport ministers must consider the whole of the supply chain when implementing their new national framework for transport policy, the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has urged.
The meeting of the Australian Transport Council (ATC) on Friday agreed to a national approach to transport policy with a national policy framework, a new inter-governmental agreement to implement it, as well as setting key work priorities and timetable.
But ALC Chief Executive Hal Morris says the agreement must be supported by “real reform and tough decisions” to clear Australia’s supply chain blockages.
“It is vital ministers do not take their eye off the ball — our national freight supply chain underpins our economy,” he says.
“Reforms must target, and prioritise, its efficiency and timeliness, particularly through the removal of blockages and more streamlined, rational regulation.”
Morris says industry looks forward to working with government “to achieve real results”.
Morris also welcomed an agreement to delay a rise in diesel excise for trucking operators until January, along with a $70 million pledge to improve road safety and productivity.
“The phasing of the increase in registration for larger heavy vehicles is a sensible compromise and the $70 million road safety and productivity package is welcomed, but it must recognised considerable work is still to be done, particularly in improving productivity,” he says.
“While the transport and logistics industry is committed to the principle of cost recovery and competitive road and rail pricing, it is critical governments consider decisions to encompass the whole of our supply chain, especially as governments consider the move toward location-based pricing as identified in the recent Productivity Commission’s Road/Rail Freight Infrastructure Pricing Report.”