Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown has today held an industry roundtable to discuss critical heavy vehicle priorities for Australia, including the sustainability of the sector as well as the transition to net zero and new technologies.
More than 20 industry representatives joined the roundtable, which also held productive discussions on how government can better engage the industry, as well as workforce challenges and opportunities such as in workplace health and safety and skills development.
The discussions brought together representatives that directly support, work and hire within the sector, including government transport associations, peak body and industry groups, and transport operators.
The roundtable forms part of the Government’s commitment to listening to the priorities and experiences of the heavy vehicle industry, recognising how vital the industry is to our way of life.
It also provided the opportunity for Government to update the industry on a number of ongoing initiatives to bolster heavy vehicle safety and productivity, including the roll out of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative, reforms to the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and trialling new approaches to road user charging.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:
“Ensuring a heavy vehicle sector in Australia that is safe, productive and sustainable into the future is a key priority for our Government.
“That is why we held this roundtable today, to hear directly from industry about their top priorities for the sector, key challenges and opportunities they see facing their work, and how governments can provide additional support.
“The net zero transition, how we can best take advantage of the benefits of future technologies in a safe way, and priorities for ensuring the long-term success of the sector, were just some of topics canvassed.
“The $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative also recently opened for funding applications.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to pave the path to a brighter, safer, greener, more sustainable heavy vehicle future.”
