The Australian Government has announced it will be taking practical action to deal with the current spike in fuel prices.
The Government revealed it will be amending the Fair Work Act to allow operators and transport businesses to make emergency applications for contract chain orders.
Under the Fair Work Act, the Fair Work Commission can require transport clients including retailers, mining companies and manufacturers to offer fair contract terms and ensure operators are paid enough to cover the cost of fuel.
While transport operators must currently wait a minimum of six months for a contract chain order, the Federal Government plans to remove this requirement so that they “aren’t left to worry about managing rising costs on their own”.
“The Albanese Government is again stepping up to help create fairness through the supply chain and manage the impacts of global fuel challenges,” said Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth.
“Truckies and transport operators need to be protected from fuel price rises and it’s important that costs are shared fairly through the supply chain.
“We are making sure the independent Fair Work Commission can act quickly to deal with these issues.
“Truck drivers and businesses are a critical part of Australia’s daily economy, ensuring food and goods are delivered where needed, and we have their backs.”
The decision follows national uncertainty as operators and businesses around Australia have been faced with significant impacts, such as surging fuel costs and limited supply, amid the war in the Middle East.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, reiterated the importance of transport during these circumstances – citing the fact that without trucks, the movement of essential supplies across Australia stops.
“Fuel price spikes are affecting everyone, but no one is feeling it more acutely than those whose day jobs and livelihoods are behind the wheel of heavy vehicles,” she said.
“That’s why we’re making it easier for them to renegotiate how costs are shared across the supply chain.
“It’ll mean truckies can get back to moving the items we need, without worrying about their business stalling due to rising costs.”
In other news, Hawk Logistics has launched a new Performance-Based Standards A-double road train.
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