Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s decision to hand the road safety portfolio to Sharon Bird wins praise from Transport Workers Union
July 2, 2013
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s decision to hand the road safety portfolio to Sharon Bird has won the support of the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Bird took over the reins of road safety from Catherine King as part of the Federal Government’s new-look ministry unveiled yesterday.
TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon says Bird has a long-standing commitment to addressing safety in the heavy vehicle industry and that the union is looking forward to working closely with her to reduce pressures on truck drivers.
“TWU members right across the road transport industry welcome the appointment of Sharon Bird to the position of minister with responsibility for road safety,” he says.
“It was under the now minster’s watch that the Transport and Communications Committee steered through the Road Safety Remuneration Bill.”
The Bill established the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, which has the power to set minimum rates and conditions all parties in the supply chain must abide by.
