2016 Federal Election Campaign
The ALRTA is participating in discussions with the ATA and COSBOA concerning a coordinated Federal Election Campaign. The Trucking Industry is in broad agreement that our primary issues are:
- No RSRT;
- Direct safety measures; and
- Improved business viability.
There are several specific issues of interest within the topics of ‘safety’ and ‘viability’ that we will expand upon during the campaign.
The ALRTA Executive met via tele-conference yesterday to consider how the ALRTA can use our resources to support the industry lobbying effort. We have devised a strategy that we will execute in the lead up to 2 July 2016.
Over the next few weeks, look out for our ‘scorecard’ summarising how the Liberals, Nationals, Labor, Greens and Independents measure up on key trucking policies.
We will also actively push our message in marginal electorates around Australia.
Inquiry into RSRT Impact
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is conducting an urgent Inquiry into the impact of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal 2016 Payments Order on owner-drivers.
The Inquiry was triggered by a reference from the Coalition Government. It will cover the period leading up to the commencement of the 2016 Order, through to the abolition, and any lasting impact on affected parties.
The ALRTA has previously made representations to the Coalition Government about the impact of the 2016 Order in terms of lost work, lower value work and problems with financiers.
The ALRTA will attend a roundtable meeting with the ASBFEO in Canberra on Monday and we will make a formal submission in due course.
ACCC Cattle and Beef Market Study
The ACCC has commenced a market study into the cattle and beef industry in Australia. The study will examine competition, efficiency, transparency and trading issues in cattle and beef supply chains.
The ALRTA has made a short submission in response to the Issues Paper focussing on:
- The effect of a seller’s geographic location on access to particular sales channels and the effect of this on localised competition and competition and efficiency more broadly. For instance how far can cattle travel efficiently (this may vary across regions) and how does this affect producers’ and buyers’ options for trading cattle?
Our members report that that cattle regularly move efficiently over long distances all around Australia. The submission includes several examples and describes the factors that buyers consider when weighing up purchase and transport options.
The ACCC is inviting people involved with cattle and beef markets to participate in a series of regional forums to discuss competition and fair trading issues of concern.
Any interested parties are welcome to attend the forums:
- Tuesday 7 June 2016, Wodonga
- Friday 10 June 2016, Toowoomba
- Monday 20 June 2016, Mount Gambier
- Friday 1 July 2016, Bunbury
- Friday 24 July 2016, Dubbo
You can register via this link: https://consultation.accc.gov.au/compliance-enforcement/accc-cattle-and-beef-market-public-consultation-fo/consultation/intro/view
Reminder: LRTAQ Conference: Longreach 19-22 MAY 2016
There is still time to register for the upcoming LRTAQ Conference at Longreach, QLD, 19-22 May 2016. The conference program also incorporates the LRTAQ AGM and legendary Bull Carter’s Ball.
While you are in Longreach you can check out the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Cobb and Co and Powerhouse Museum.
To register click here: http://lrtaq.com.au/