Australia risks returning to the days of empty supermarket shelves unless National Cabinet shows leadership to address the nation’s growing truck driver shortage, said NatRoad.
The peak trucking body said there are more than 26,000 unfilled driver positions threatening the nation’s supply chain and economic stability.
The situation is projected to get worse, with road freight projected to increase by 77 percent from 2020 to 2050, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics.
According to the 2024 International Road Transport Union (IRU) Truck Driver Shortage Survey, almost half of Australian freight businesses (49 per cent) are already facing severe or very severe difficulties filling driver positions.
The survey also found 38 per cent of businesses expect the shortage to worsen in the next 12 months. Smaller businesses in particular are struggling with a lack of access to training programs and diversifying their workforce.
In response, NatRoad has proposed a National Road Freight Workforce Action Plan with eight key elements:
Create a national truck driver standard
Implement the national truck driver apprenticeship
Develop a National Heavy Vehicle Skills Hub
Introduce training incentives
Reform licencing and training
Deliver key actions in the ISA Workforce Plan
Recognise driver skill levels
Address other road freight industry skills shortages
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said the lack of truck drivers affects all Australians.
“Many Australians learned during Covid what happens when the supply chain is disrupted – empty shelves,” Clark said.
“The heavy vehicle industry really is the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing essential services in transport, logistics, and supply chains across the country.
“If left unchecked, this driver shortage will disrupt every aspect of life, from grocery shop shelves to construction, industrial production and exports.”
Clark said the issue needs urgent coordinated action and leadership from National Cabinet.
“We need all levels of government and industry to work together to resolve the current and future driver shortages and ensure that Australia’s road transport network remains safe, efficient, and sustainable.
“Together, we can secure the future of Australia’s road freight industry and ensure the continued delivery of essential goods and services.”
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