MAJOR REFORMS PROPOSED TO STRENGTHEN RURAL FREIGHT SECTOR AND BOLSTER PRODUCTIVITY

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) will today appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Productivity in Canberra and propose major reforms aimed at bolstering economic productivity by strengthening and building resilience across the rural freight sector.

ALRTA is the national peak body for Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock and rural road freight operators, linking farms, processors, saleyards and ports.

Recent geopolitical events have exposed disruptions and challenges with freight supply chains which have a ripple effect across the economy. This includes increased costs and suppressed output.

ALRTA recommends the Committee adopts these three significant industry reforms:

Establish a National Washdown and Managed Effluent Disposal Network for livestock and bulk agricultural freight, designed in collaboration with states and industry. Freight operators currently lose time and experience delays by having to detour for the cleaning and disposing of waste in vehicles due to irregular access to suitable cleaning facilities. It is recommended that new facilities are funded and built along priority corridors. A national standard would save time and improve compliance with biosecurity laws which is crucial when dealing with livestock and food.

Cut regulatory deadweight with harmonisation and digital compliance. Freight regulations are complex and often duplicated between jurisdictions which creates unnecessary administrative burdens and stymies productivity. A nationally agreed package is recommended, that is harmonised and reusable, so operators and regulators stop re-proving the same facts and data in different formats. This would enable faster decision making and reduce delays.

Establish a National Freight Workforce Mobility and Resilience Package, built around competence and rapid redeployment. There is a truck driver shortage which impacts productivity by having less vehicles on the road. Employment and job growth is often constrained by slow training and qualifications processes, and inconsistent recognition pathways for drivers with pre-requisite experience. A national package is recommended that would prioritise consistent training and assessment and create a digital ‘Freight Skills Passport’ that would reduce duplication and provide clearer pathways for drivers to onboard.

ALRTA Executive Director Anthony Boyle said the proposals would be a game changer for Australia’s crucial rural freight sector.

“The freight and logistics sector accounts for about 8.6 per cent of Australia’s GDP, which has an immeasurable impact on productivity and impacts all communities,” Mr Boyle said.

“The sector is currently beset and burdened with unnecessary delays, time wastage and red tape, which impedes productivity and reduces certainty and confidence.

“These sensible and evidence-based reforms would strengthen industry resilience, boost productivity and provide everyday Australians with confidence that food and other essentials will be transported as quickly, safely and cost effectively as possible, with minimal disruption.

“These changes would unlock unrealised economic potential, improve investor confidence and bolster supply chain networks, which ultimately benefits all Australians.”