National Cabinet’s agreement to ease return-to-work rules for close contacts in the freight and logistics sector has been greeted by the National Road Transport Association as “a common-sense measure to keep Australia moving”.
NatRoad Chairman Scott Davidson said the decision now puts heavy vehicle operators on the same “essential service” footing as healthcare workers.
“It’s a sensible move given the need to keep essential goods, services and medical supplies moving,” Mr Davidson said.
“It also puts a focus on who pays for Rapid Antigen Tests when they become more generally available.
“While we appreciate that the removal of testing requirements by most states is a positive, the cost of constantly taking RATs will add up quickly and it’s not something a small business or owner-driver can easily absorb.
“NatRoad believes RATs should be provided by the Federal Government free-of-charge to healthcare and transport and logistics workers involved in the road freight task.”
