Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack has shown his support for the Australian trucking industry, in a keynote speech at the Australian Trucking Association’s Trucking Australia conference, held in Canberra on April 18-20.

“The Acting Prime Minister spoke of the importance of the freight and logistics industry as being absolutely essential to the fabric that holds the Australian economy together,” ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said today.

“It’s estimated that for every 1 per cent increase in efficiency in the transport and logistics sector, GDP is boosted by $1 billion.

“It is reassuring to know the Federal Government understands the importance of sustained productivity, profitability and success for transport operators,” he said.

The keynote highlighted the importance and complexity of heavy vehicle road reform and the Government’s commitment to introducing independent regulation of heavy vehicle charges, as well as fund reform for the road network.

“The ATA welcomes the Acting Prime Minister’s commitment to the importance of heavy vehicle access, integrating freight into long-term land use planning and improved corridor protection, hypothecation of road revenues, and improving regional and remote transport corridors,” Mr Crouch said.

During his time at the Trucking Australia conference, the Acting Prime Minister commended the ATA and its members on new and innovative initiatives such as the fatigue hackathon, and the important work in partnership with the Australian Logistics Council in developing the new master safety code of practice.

“The ATA thanks the Acting Prime Minister for acknowledging the work of the ATA as one of the most respected industry bodies in Australia,” Mr Crouch said.

“We welcome the commitment from the highest levels of Government in ensuring the road freight industry remain viable and sustainable,” he said.