2 November 2026
Finocchiaro CLP Government freezes heavy vehicle registration fees for 12 months, easing pressure on Territory transport operators and small businesses.
Freeze saves operators an estimated $465 a year per three-trailer road train and may help limit costs passed on to customers.
Move builds on renewed fuel cost relief for eligible contractors, backing Territory businesses and keeping projects moving.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is easing financial pressure on the transport industry and small business by freezing heavy vehicle registration fees for 12 months.
The freeze follows the announcement last week of renewed temporary fuel cost relief for eligible Department of Logistics and Infrastructure contractors, backing Territory businesses, supporting local jobs and keeping projects moving.
Heavy vehicle registration fees have been frozen at the levels set on 1 October 2025 and will not be reviewed again until mid-2027.
Territory freight and transport companies continue to feel the impact of volatile and rising fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with businesses operating heavy vehicles amongst the hardest hit.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the freeze would provide financial relief for Territory businesses.
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing our transport industry and small businesses as they deal with rising fuel costs,” Mr Yan said.
“Our freight and transport operators keep goods moving to the businesses and communities that rely on them.
“Freezing heavy vehicle rego fees gives these businesses one less cost increase to worry about.
“Alongside the fuel relief announced last week, we are taking practical steps to support industry and keep projects moving.”
Based on previous increases in the Territory and national increases this year, the freeze is estimated to save businesses:
$465 a year for a three-trailer road train.$429 a year for a two-trailer road train.$18 a year for a two-axle rigid truck.$39 a year for a three-axle rigid truck.
Alice Springs based Boss of G & S Transport Franco Bilato welcomed the freeze, saying it would help the industry get through a tough year.
“When you’re running 17 trucks across the NT, including triple and quad road trains, that is welcome relief,” Mr Bilato said.
“The simple fact is that when costs rise for transport companies, we have to pass them on to our customers, so this helps save money for a lot of people.”
The freeze builds on other savings for Territory motorists, including the removal of scheduled roadworthy inspections and the freezing of Motor Accidents Compensation contributions.
These measures complement more than $290 million in cost-of-living support in the 2026-27 Budget, including $225 million in power and water concessions and subsidies.
Minister Yan said his department continued to discuss rising fuel costs and heavy vehicle registration fees with the NT Road Transport Association throughout the international fuel crisis.
“We will continue to work with industry and businesses as the uncertainty around fuel prices continues,” Mr Yan said.
The department will review fees in mid-2027 to determine whether a further 12-month freeze is needed.
