RFNSW has welcomed the NSW ministers and offered advice to maximise transport in the state
Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) says it looks forward to working with the newly elected New South Wales government in driving roads reforms across the state, particularly with Jo Haylen as Minister for Transport, John Graham as Special Minister of State and Minister for Transport and Jenny Aitchison as Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.
In the lead-up to the March election, Labor announced a $1.1 billion package of road upgrades; imposed a cap on tolls for two years from January 1, 2024, announced a full review of the toll system conducted by former ACCC Chair Allan Fels, pledged $20 million for new rest stops for truckies and ruled-out any changes to PBLIS.
“We’re pleased the new government has shown its commitment to major reforms of the state’s road and freight networks, listening to our concerns and promising to act on many of RFNSW’s key priorities, particularly in capping tolls and reviewing the current tolling system,” RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara says.
“But it could also consider other toll-relief options for our members, such as off-peak/ time-of-day discounting; a ‘per km’ distance-based tolling system, consideration of tolls based on a truck’s mass and consideration of tolls based on a truck’s environmental features (the cleaner the truck, the lower the toll).
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“The NSW government could also further support RFNSW members in addressing our other priorities, such as making representation to the federal government about the inequity of the current pallet hire system, which is really hurting the NSW economy, small business and consumers, with higher prices and ongoing low stock availability.
“The road freight industry is also suffering significant shortages of labour for the foreseeable future – not only skilled labour, but also low skilled, young and new entrants at the beginning of their career.”
O’Hara and RFNSW is calling on the NSW government to commence a review of the role of TAFE to best utilise fully-funded placements in partnership with the industry operators it represents.
“As the COVID pandemic has shown, without trucks Australia stops,” O’Hara says.
“This new government has the opportunity to work with RFNSW on delivering on our key priorities, which will ensure a stronger and sustainable freight industry for the benefit of the whole community.”