Friday, March 29, 2024

ALRTA: 2022 Federal election – Labor wins. So what now?

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Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), ALRTA News, 27 May 2022

Australians have changed the Government. Anthony Albanese is our 31st Prime Minister. The policy mandate is clear. More will be done on climate, anti corruption and cost of living.

So, what does that mean for rural transport?

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A Labor Government will be focussed on improving workplace health and safety. With an Australian ramp standard now in place, ALRTA will look to accelerate safety improvements in the livestock supply chain.

Labor Governments invest in nation-building road infrastructure. We have asked Labor to match the Coalition’s $678m commitment to the Outback Way and $400m for the Inland Freight Route.

In 2021, Labor Senator Glenn Sterle oversaw an inquiry that recommended:

  • a plan and funding mechanism for managed livestock effluent disposal sites; and
  • a national fund for freight roads in rural and regional areas to support low cost safety infrastructure such as rumble strips, green reflectors, wider medians and improved road shoulders.

ALRTA is strongly supportive of these recommendations and will push for implementation. Labor has already committed an additional $80m for rest areas.

ALRTA is also optimistic that a Federal Labor Government will support a better Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). This will improve road safety as well as address cost of living pressures through more efficient freight movements.

However, it’s not all rosy.

Federal Labor has openly committed to phasing out live sheep exports. While opposed to this policy, ALRTA will work with Labor to establish a sensible transition plan, pitching a structural adjustment package for affected operators as necessary.

Federal Labor has also committed to re establishing a mechanism for regulating pay and conditions for owner-drivers. If this is going to happen again, it must be done right. ALRTA will do all we can to avoid a two tiered freight market that discriminates against owner drivers.

And we must not forget that Labor has been elected on a climate change mandate. Transport remains one of the most significant carbon emitters and so we must expect new regulation aimed at our sector. ALRTA will be promoting a ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approach.

All in all, a change of Federal Government brings with it both threats and opportunities. Our new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has previously served as Minister and/or Shadow Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government and ALRTA has met with Albo many times in these capacities. You can be sure that ALRTA will proactively engage with Federal Labor in pursuit of the best outcomes for our vital industry.

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