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Trucking is and must remain an essential industry

23 March 2020

The National Cabinet must continue to regard trucking as an essential industry in any plans for further business shutdowns, Australian Trucking Association Chair Geoff Crouch said today.

The Australian Trucking Association and its member associations collectively represent the businesses and people of the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.

“Governments have started to shut down non-essential services, with stage one focusing on businesses like pubs, gyms, movies and nightclubs,” Mr Crouch said.

“As the National Cabinet considers whether further shutdowns are necessary, the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers must ensure that trucking and its related industries continue to be regarded as essential.

“The last few weeks have reminded every single Australian of the importance of our truck drivers, supported by schedulers, loaders, forkies, logistics managers, service technicians and all the other people who make up our industry.

“Regardless of the shutdown decisions they take in the future, the ATA considers that governments must declare, as essential:

  • service stations and roadhouses
  • truck, trailer and logistics equipment production, sales, repair and related facilities
  • freight and logistics, including postal services and post office boxes
  • home delivery services.

“The whole of the supply chain, including the Australian Logistics Council, the ATA and our member associations are reminding governments of the importance of freight,” he said.

Mr Crouch said that governments also needed to ensure that the stage 1 shutdown decisions did not stop long distance truck drivers accessing food on the road, showers and toilets.

“A long distance truck driver can’t take a prime mover through a drive through,” he said.

“It’s vital that these services continue to be available.”