After a three-day marathon hearing over Easter, NatRoad says it sees the Tribunal to pass its judgement soon
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) says it expects the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) to present its decision on delaying the commencement of the minimum rates order soon.
The Tribunal hosted three days of hearings over Easter to consider submissions regarding a proposed delay in the implementation of RSRO.
During the Easter hearings, the TWU attacked NatRoad and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) for their opposition to the 2016 Contractor Driver Minimum Payments Road Safety Remuneration Order (RSRO).
The Union has also accused NatRoad of failing to represent transport operators by refusing to hold major retailers and manufacturers to account for late payments and low rates.
However, NatRoad says it continues to represent the interests of small and medium sized transport operators who make up the majority of the transport industry in Australia in their campaign to delay the commencement date.
The Union also blames NatRoad for attempting to have the Easter hearing put off until later – a charge dismissed by the transport association.
NatRoad never sought to have the Easter hearing dates held off as alleged by the TWU’s Tony Sheldon, NatRoad’s CEO Warren Clark says.
This comes after TWU presented a variation to the rates order that was drafted after a meeting with NatRoad and other industry members including, the Ai Group, Linfox Australia, Toll Holdings, Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO), and the Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors.
Although presented as united position, NatRoad and Ai deny being in agreement with the terms listed in the document.
The document, which was presented to the Tribunal on Thursday, includes a proposal to delay the commencement date.
The Tribunal will consider industry submissions regarding the proposed variations before making its decision this week.