The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) is calling for a voluntary accreditation model to be developed which it claims could save the economy up to $1.1 billion annually.
In its submission to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, the ALRTA championed a 6-Star Trucking model – a practical, industry-led framework which rewards operators who go beyond baseline standards in fatigue, maintenance, animal welfare, biosecurity and training.
Economic modelling, based on data from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics and Austroads, indicates potential national savings between $422 million and $1.1 billion per year.
ALRTA President, Gerard Johnson, said this model offers productivity gains that are specific scalable and budget positive.
“This is not theory – it’s real-world reform,” he said.
“We’re talking about safer roads, lower premiums, fewer crashes and stronger supply chains.
“The 6-Star model has been designed by industry with real-world conditions in mind. What we need now is national support to put it into action.”
In addition to the implementation of this model, the submission calls for:
- a national High Productivity Vehicle framework to replace fragmented access rules;
- a co-designed National Truckwash and Biosecurity Infrastructure Plan;
- a Rural Driver Training Academy to address workforce gaps and formally recognise rural freight driving as a skilled occupation; and
- investment in disaster-resilient freight corridors to future-proof food and supply chains.
Johnson said rural freight has long been overlooked in big-picture reform, despite its role in supporting Australia’s $90 billion agricultural economy and more than 300,000 supply chain jobs.
“We’re not looking for special treatment,” he said.
“We’re offering a clear set of practical solutions that deliver for farmers, exporters and consumers alike.
“If this roundtable is serious about resilience and productivity, rural freight has to be in the room.”
The Economic Reform Roundtable will be held from 19–21 August in the Cabinet Room and will shape the next phase of the Government’s economic agenda.
In other news, Australia Post has opened a new facility in Blacktown, New South Wales.
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