The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has dismissed calls for reinstatement of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, following rallies from the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

The TWU claims there has been 92 per cent increase in truck crashes in NSW since the watchdog was shut down, but ATA Chair Geoff Crouch says there is no correlation between the two.

“In 2017, the number of deaths in NSW from crashes involving articulated trucks like semitrailers increased dramatically but we know most of the increase in deaths was in multi-vehicle crashes, 80 per cent of which were not the fault of the truck driver,” Mr Crouch said.  

“In the same period, no other states or territories experienced an increase in fatal crashes involving articulated trucks, with the majority seeing significant decreases.

Mr Crouch says the ATA and its members have been working proactively to address road safety issues, lobbying for practical and effective solutions.

These include:

• Further action to increase the quantity, capacity and quality of driver rest areas to reduce rates of driver fatigue and ultimately fatality rates.
• The Australian Transport Safety Bureau be empowered to provide independent, no blame, safety investigations for road crashes involving heavy vehicles
• The mandatory fitting of stability control to all new trucks and trailers, with only limited exemptions.

“Transport owners and operators have told us the devastating impact of the RSRT included financial hardship, increased debt, reduced equipment values, widespread uncertainty and significant stress on families, relationships and mental health,” Mr Crouch said.

“The ATA backs recent comments from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that say reinstating the RSRT is a backwards step. The transport industry is essential to the fabric that holds the Australian economy together and they deserve better.

“Independent inquiries have found regulating rates of pay for owner drivers does not improve safety.

“It is hard to believe the TWU is serious about safety when their only solution is a failed policy and refuse to take part in any positive discussion,” he said.