NatRoad wants to see the NSW government protecting transport workers against heavy vehicle industry pressures
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has pushed for the NSW state government to lead the way in driving national heavy vehicle industry reform in its submission to a recent parliamentary inquiry.
NatRoad has told the NSW Legislative Council Transport Committee inquiry into Pressures on Heavy Vehicle Drivers that the industry is facing unprecedented challenges.
“NatRoad members are reporting they are working on razor-thin profit margins of approximately two percent,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
“Factors like the lingering impacts of the pandemic, surging fuel prices, inflation, exorbitant motorway tolls, natural disasters, disruptions in the global supply chain and a chronic shortage of drivers and mechanics have created an increasingly difficult operating environment.
“Additionally, the industry is grappling with rising registration costs, the Road User Charge, sluggish progress in reforming the Heavy Vehicle National Law and overly stringent enforcement of minor regulatory breaches.”
Clark says immense pressure is being placed on road transport operators and costs are being passed onto consumers wherever possible.
“We’re seeing this in the form of higher prices at supermarkets, fuel stations and pharmacies,” Clark says.
“The pressures in NSW have national and global implications as the state handles a significant portion of the national freight task.
“NSW must take a leadership position to drive regulatory and economic reform. This proactive stance is essential to secure a sustainable future for our supply chains.”