Logistics News

Kilgariff floats COR link from Aus to NZ

ALC CEO uses speech at transport summit to press the need for chain of responsibility from Australia to New Zealand

By <a href="mailto:bgardner@acpmagazines.com.au“>Brad Gardner | June 7, 2011

The push is on to extend chain of responsibility beyond Australia’s shores, with calls for the compliance regime to include New Zealand.

Australian Logistics Council CEO Michael Kilgariff used his speech at a transport summit across the ditch to talk up the benefits of applying chain of responsibility to businesses operating in both countries.

Citing multi-billion dollar trade ties between New Zealand and Australia, Kilgariff says extending the scheme, which holds all parties accountable for managing speed, fatigue and mass limits, will improve safety and efficiency.

“A more consistent regulatory framework would assist those companies operating on either side of the Tasman, such as Australian companies Toll and Linfox, and New Zealand operators such as Main Freight, who have operations in Australia and New Zealand,” Kilgariff told attendees of the Transport New Zealand Summit and Expo.

“Whether you are a consignor in Sydney or Wellington, or a packer in Melbourne or Auckland, a more consistent approach to the chain of responsibility would make it much easier for companies to do business, no matter which side of the Tasman from which you are operating.”

During his speech, Kilgariff also highlighted the importance of preserving valuable land space for freight operations.

He referred to the Port of Fremantle in Western Australia as an example, saying urban encroachment is threatening many strategic freight routes that service the port.

“And once these developments are built, new residents lobby their local member to have heavy freight traffic restricted or prohibited,” Kilgariff told the summit.

“In Australia we have a saying that ‘freight doesn’t vote’.”

The Federal Government’s proposed National Land Freight Strategy recommends identifying and preserving strategic freight routes and providing dedicated roads for trucks.

Kilgariff also reiterated the ALC’s recommendation for a neutral carbon price so all modes of transport are treated equally.

He says a carbon tax, which is slated to be introduced next year, will impose costs all the way through Australia’s supply chain.

Like the Australasian Railway Association, the ALC believes revenue from a carbon tax should be invested in sustainable transport infrastructure to create incentives to reduce emissions.

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