Trucking Industry Gets a Stronger Voice in National Freight Policy

The Australian trucking industry will have a more direct role in shaping national freight policy following the creation of a dedicated Heavy Vehicle Subcommittee by the Federal Government.

The new group will provide specialist advice on road transport priorities and assist with the implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. It forms part of the recently refreshed Freight Industry Reference Panel.

For road freight operators, the subcommittee creates a dedicated channel for raising emerging challenges, identifying opportunities and contributing practical industry knowledge to future transport policy.

Senator Glenn Sterle will chair the Heavy Vehicle Subcommittee, with members including Warren Clark, Gary Mahon, Peter Anderson, Michelle Harwood and Mathew Munro.

The broader Freight Industry Reference Panel will be chaired by Michael Byrne AM and will include Marika Calfas AM, Hermione Parsons, Peter Allen and Ian Porter.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the changes are intended to strengthen the freight industry’s involvement in government decision-making and help create a more productive and resilient national freight network.

The announcement comes as Australia prepares for significant growth in freight demand. The national freight task is forecast to increase by 26 per cent between 2020 and 2050, adding further pressure to improve transport productivity, infrastructure capacity and supply chain resilience.

The Government has also opened applications for the first round of the Transport Resilience and Capacity Kickstart (TRACK) pilot program.

The program will provide up to $26 million in incentives for operators that increase rail freight volumes above their existing levels. It forms part of a broader $52 million initiative funded through the National Fuel Security Plan.

While TRACK is focused primarily on encouraging more freight to move by rail, the new Heavy Vehicle Subcommittee ensures the road transport sector will have its own forum to provide input as Australia plans for future freight growth.

For trucking businesses, the key development is having experienced industry representatives at the national table, helping ensure future freight decisions reflect the realities facing fleets and operators on the road.

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