Much store put on Nationals’ leader influence in cabinet
Industry bodies have been quick to welcome federal infrastructure minister Barnaby Joyce to his new portfolio.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) congratulates Joyce, who returns to cabinet after having to recontest his seat during the dual-citizenship debacle.
“As well as being a highly-regarded local member, as evidenced by winning re-election recently with an improved majority, Barnaby Joyce has been a very effective minister in the Turnbull Government, and we congratulate him on his appointment as Minister for Infrastructure & Transport,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“The development and construction of new and improved road, rail and sea infrastructure is of critical importance for the Australian freight and logistics industry to prosper, and for our national economy to seamlessly and efficiently tick over.
“There are numerous projects on state and Commonwealth radars that are essential for supply chains to be as productive as they can be, which is vital to support the business and activities of transport operators that keep Australia moving.
“The VTA looks forward to working closely with Minister Joyce in his new portfolios, and hope to brief him at the earliest possible opportunity on issues of interest to our members and the broader freight and logistics industry.”
Anderson thanked Darren Chester for his many achievements as infrastructure and transport minister.
“Darren Chester put a tremendous amount of effort into understanding the complexities of supply chains and logistics and was incredibly effective in connecting with our members and the industry, most recently at our annual VTA State Conference,” Anderson says.
“As minister, Darren approached the infrastructure and transport portfolios with incredible professionalism and on behalf of our members I thank him for his support of the VTA, and wish him every future success.”
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) also acknowledged Chester’s contribution, particularly the $8.4 billion for Inland Rail in the Budget, and backed Joyce to make progress.
“The ministerial reshuffle announced by the Prime Minister today will mean the freight logistics industry’s priorities will remain well-represented at the highest levels of Government,” ALC MD Michael Kilgariff says.
“ALC is an industry leader on freight and supply chain policy and always seeks to have a cooperative and productive relationship with the key ministers in portfolio areas that impact our industry.”
“ALC looks forward to working closely with the deputy prime minister and incoming minister for infrastructure and transport, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP.
“The deputy prime minister’s personal commitment to Inland Rail is well known throughout the freight logistics industry, as is his passionate interest in developing transport infrastructure to support national supply chain efficiency and build Australia’s export capacity.”
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark reacted warmly to the news.
“We look forward to working with Barnaby Joyce, in building a safe, efficient and effective road transport industry for future years,” Clark says.
We welcome a fresh perspective to a portfolio which is a vital component of building Australia’s productivity, particularly in rural and regional Australia.
“We hope to meet with the new Minster shortly, to discuss the prominent issues facing today’s trucking industry, including issues which need urgent attention such as:
- a lack of national consistency in regulatory requirements and enforcement
- access restrictions for high productivity vehicles, and
- traffic congestion in urban areas.
“We’d also like to extend our appreciation to outgoing minister Darren Chester, for his contribution to the road transport industry in his time as minister. We admired his energy, intelligence and commitment to the portfolio.”
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch says his organisation is looking forward to working with Joyce in his new role.
“Barnaby Joyce has a wealth of experience and understanding of regional Australia, and understands the importance of roads and transport to communities’ right across Australia,” Crouch says.
“Trucking is an enabler of opportunity, allowing businesses to reach domestic and international markets, consumers to purchase goods, farms to sell their produce, and construction materials to enable new developments.”
Crouch notes Joyce will be responsible for a significant transport agenda next year.
“The government has announced a $75 billion infrastructure program, plans for progressing road pricing reform, launching a new national freight and supply chain strategy, and important reviews into safety accreditation schemes, the National Road Safety Strategy, and the National Land Transport Network,” he says.
“It’s a significant to-do list and the ATA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the views of the trucking industry are well represented.
Crouch also welcomed the reappointment of Paul Fletcher as minister for urban infrastructure, and now also with responsibility for cities.
“Paul Fletcher has shown a commitment to engage with trucking operators on the details of heavy vehicle reforms, and we look forward to that continuing,” he says.
“There is a pressing need to enhance a new national agenda on land transport safety and productivity, and the ATA looks forward to engaging with Barnaby Joyce, Paul Fletcher and the Australian Government to make this a reality.”
Crouch also thanked Chester.
“The trucking industry thanks Darren Chester for his work as transport minister and in particular his commitment and passion for road safety,” Crouch says.