May 22nd 2009 - NatRoad Endorses Agreement to Move Toward National Regulator for Trucking

The endorsement today of a Single National Regulator for Heavy Vehicles by Federal, State and Territory ministers is a significant step forward in developing a safer and more productive heavy vehicle sector.

“The decision by the Australian Transport Council (ATC) to establish a Single National Regulator means operators and clients alike can look forward to a more consistent approach to the regulation of heavy vehicles across Australia”.

NatRoad President Rob McIntosh said. “For Interstate and long distance operators in particular this can mean a substantial reduction in "red-tape" currently generated through having to comply with up to eight different sets of State and Territory regulations.

“This is a crucial decision for Australia as we deal with the worst economic crisis in decades. It means we as operators can better focus on the real job of safely servicing the Australian freight task.”

NatRoad – the National Road Transport Operators Association Incorporating the Australian Road Train Association – has strongly supported a national approach to heavy vehicle regulation as a long-overdue reform.

NatRoad has directly contributed to the debate by commissioning independent global economic consultants, Castalia, to examine the issue in depth. The study identified a projected $1.7 billion savings for industry and government.

“NatRoad has consulted extensively with members of the Council in support of this outcome and we have been encouraged by the widespread understanding of the mutual benefits of a national regulatory regime,” Mr McIntosh said.

We congratulate the Ministers on their leadership, and look forward to further engagement on the detail.

Copies of the Castalia report are available to the media upon request.