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Tributes to Truss continue to flow in

NatRoad, NHVR and ALGA add their voices to farewell for minister

 

Fulsome tributes to departing infrastructure minister Warren Truss continue to be offered from a variety of sources.

The soon-to-depart deputy prime minister’s efforts on behalf of the industry and the infrastructure it needs to function properly were underlined.

“Without doubt the Deputy Prime Minister has left a valuable legacy for the Australian road transport sector due to his strong and enduring commitment to heavy vehicle road transport reform and, most importantly, due to the massive investment in road and transport infrastructure that he oversaw,” NatRoad president Allan Thornley says.

“The road transport industry is also indebted to the Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss for his strong support for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator [NHVR] and commitment to ongoing reform in the road transport industry.

“The national regulator is essential to the establishment of a single national jurisdiction, with one law interpreted and enforced consistently and fairly across all jurisdictions.

“The Australian road transport sector is the backbone to the Australian economy and the Deputy Prime Minister understood the importance of transport infrastructure to the future growth and prosperity of Australia.

“Warren Truss, as the long serving minister with responsibility for the transport and infrastructure portfolio has displayed a strong commitment to delivering the road and rail links needed to keep the Australian economy strong. He was also particularly aware of the importance of these links to rural and regional Australia.

“Mr Truss grasped the significance of efficient supply chains to national economic growth, regional and national wellbeing, and the resilience of the national economy.

“His vision was essential to the Government’s strong investment commitment to the logistics sector.”

The regulatory efforts were not lost on the NHVR itself

“I’m indebted to Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss for his support for the national regulator and enduring commitment to reform in the road transport industry,” NHVR board chairman Bruce Baird says.

“Over the 26 years of Mr Truss’ political career, I’ve had the honour and pleasure of working with the man and the minister and was pleased to again continue our association through the nation’s trucking regulator.

“Hailing from a farming family in Queensland, Mr Truss has been a tireless advocate for rural and regional Australia and well knows the impact that sound and practical regulatory reform has on the day-to-day operations of regional communities and families.

“I’m grateful for the particular interest he took in the regulator’s growth and his steadfast support for us during challenging times.”

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) focused its praise largely on local infrastructure initiatives.

“Mr Truss was the driving force behind the development of the Bridges Renewal Programme, which will see a total investment of $300 million to upgrade deteriorating bridges to improve productivity, safety and community access,” the ALGA president, mayor Troy Pickard, says.

“He was also responsible for the removal of the sunset clause for the Roads to Recovery Programme, ending the requirement for new legislation for the continuation of the program and providing assurance to councils of the Government’s commitment to the program.”

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