October 28th 2009 - NatRoad Supports Minister Albanese on Single National Regulator

The strong commitment this week by Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese, regarding the establishment of a Single National Regulator for Heavy Vehicles has been welcomed by the National Road Transport Operators Association (NatRoad).

“Twice this week, the Minister has used questions put to him through the nation’s most important political platform, Federal Question Time, to reinforce his determination that this regulator be established,” NatRoad president, Rob McIntosh, said today.

“The Minister’s responses are supported by the industry, and reflect our shared belief in the sheer importance of this overdue reform for the heavy vehicle industry.”

Mr McIntosh said the Minister’s determination to establish nationally uniform regulation is respected by industry, who more than understands the difficulties faced in dealing with interstate regulation.

“The establishment of this regulator can mean a substantial reduction in the ‘red-tape’ encountered by trying to comply with up to eight different sets of State and Territory regulations – which generates significant expense that directly impacts on the end user – the consumer,” Mr McIntosh said.

“More importantly, these reforms will mean we as operators can better focus on the real job of safely servicing the Australian freight task.”

“We congratulate the Minister on his leadership, and look forward to his State and Territory counterparts joining with him to ensure the smooth and rapid implementation of this important reform.”