NatRoad’s CEO says the introduction of the legislation will keep small road transport businesses safe
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) says the introduction of legislation into the federal parliament to end unfair contracts is a win for small road transport businesses.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says his association greets the introduction of the Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill 2022 with open arms.
“On the face of it, this will draw a line in the sand on the many unfair contracts that exist in our industry and swing the pendulum back to small operators,” Clark says.
Clark says NatRoad had fought for new unfair contract laws for years and the introduction of legislation will be greeted by members and small business generally.
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“This mirrors the legislation that was brought forward too late in the life of the last parliament to be passed and we’re very glad the new federal government has set things right,” Clark says.
“It won’t have an immediate impact when passed, as it will take effect 12 months after receiving Royal Assent so that all parties have a chance to adjust.
“But it will go a long way to prohibiting the use of unfair contract terms in a standard form consumer or small business contracts and create new civil penalties for anyone trying to do otherwise.
“The law will give courts more power to make orders to void, vary or refuse to enforce part or all of a contract, and it will expand the class of contracts that the law applies to.”