ALRTA News – 14 July 2023

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ALRTA NATIONAL PARTNER

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ALRTA PRESIDENT ATTENDS INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE

ALRTA President Scott McDonald attended an industry roundtable this week with Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown, to discuss critical heavy vehicle priorities including the sustainability of the sector as well as the transition to net zero and new technologies.

“We had good discussions on the reform licensing issues and transitioning to zero carbon emissions in the land transport industry” said President McDonald.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown (centre front) and ALRTA President Scott McDonald (third from the right) at the industry roundtable with more than 20 industry representatives.

The discussions brought together representatives from many areas in the sector, including government, transport associations, peak bodies, industry groups, and transport operators.

“We also discussed the importance of getting the employee-like forms of work laws right, so we don’t end up with another road safety remuneration tribunal scenario targeting owner drivers” said President McDonald.

“Ensuring a heavy vehicle sector in Australia that is safe, productive and sustainable into the future is a key priority for our Government.” said Assistant Minister Carol Brown.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR THE LRTAWA/ALRTA CONFERENCE

Register here:  https://eecw.eventsair.com/lrtaalrta/

HEAVY VEHICLE REST AREA PROJECTS SURVEY

New and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas are another step closer, with state, territory and local governments now able to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative.

A survey for truckies to provide input on the location and condition of existing rest areas and to provide advice on where additional rest areas may be required can be completed here.

Through the initiative, the Australian Government has committed $140 million over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas.

Find out more.

ATA CALLS TO HALVE THE ROAD USER CHARGE IN REMOTE AREAS

Following recent announcements relating to the fuel tax credit (FTC) scheme and the road user charge (RUC), the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has unveiled its plan to halve the road user charge on diesel used in remote areas.

The ATA plan would save remote area trucking operators an extra 14.4 cents per litre on the cost of diesel, based on the 1 July 2023 road user charge rate.

“Businesses serving remote communities cannot afford the fuel prices and charges that they pay now. They do not receive value for the charges they pay, for the quality of roads in remote Australia is extremely poor,” the submission said.

“High fuel prices and charges are a major contributor to the high cost of food in remote communities, where the cost of freight can be as high as 20.4 per cent of sales.”

The remote area road user charge would apply to the same area as the Services Australia remote area allowance.


On 1 July, the Government increased the road user charge on diesel from 27.2 cents per litre to 28.8 cents per litre. As a result, the fuel tax credit rate for diesel used in eligible trucks on public roads decreased to 18.9 cents per litre.

Read the submission.

NHVR NEXT GENERATION ROUTE PLANNER

The NHVR has released the newest version of its route planner (to map and display approved routes by heavy vehicles), known as the Next Generation Route Planner (NGRP).

The NGRP provides more real time data updates which ensures improved reliability, quality, and completeness of data for industry when planning journeys.

You can learn more about the NGRP by visiting https://www.nhvr.gov.au/road-access/route-planner

REVIEW OF MASTER CODE OF PRACTICE

An update to the widely used Master Code of Practice is underway. The Master Code is a registered industry code of practice that was first developed by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) in consultation with industry and registered by the NHVR in November 2018.

The Master Code is a practical guide to assist in achieving the standards of heavy vehicle safety and compliance required under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

For more information about the Master Code, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/mastercode

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2023

  • LRTAWA/NATIONAL Combined Conference – 4-5 August 2023 – Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON WA
  • LRTAV – 11-12 August 2023 – Mercure, BALLARAT VIC
  • LRTAQ – 28-29 September 2023 – The Ville Resort, TOWNSVILLE – QLD

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2024

  • LBRCA – 23-24 February 2024 – WAGGA WAGGA NSW