The road freight industry is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, supporting over 40 different supply chains and moving goods that sustain nearly every sector.
Yet, despite being critical, this industry struggles to gain the ear of decision-makers. Bureaucratic systems are bogging down essential improvements, creating frustration and inefficiencies. The question is, why can’t our road transport sector—composed of highly skilled and disciplined professionals—secure the swift and responsive support it deserves?
Modern truck drivers are among the most skilled and professional drivers on our roads. They’re adept at handling complex technology, maintaining high standards of customer service, and navigating an array of stringent regulations.
Despite the sector’s demands for safety, productivity, and efficiency improvements, bureaucratic processes repeatedly fail to keep up.
The government has set up numerous channels for industry engagement, including advisory groups and consultation forums. In theory, these are meant to make our systems transparent and inclusive, giving industries a direct line to policymakers.
However, while there are ample discussions, decisions seem perpetually stalled, and tangible outcomes are elusive.
Government departments oversee the direction of our industry—determining how safely, efficiently, and productively we operate.
But when engagement is marred by delay after delay, it hurts not just transport businesses but also the economy as a whole. The road freight industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector that needs timely support to keep delivering for Australia.
The National Transport Commission’s review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law is one example of this sluggishness. Despite the law’s original intent to boost productivity, efficiency, and safety, its first review—which was meant to happen every five years—has stretched over seven years with no significant updates.
Meanwhile, the industry still participates in engagement sessions, awaiting change that feels perpetually out of reach.
Similarly, efforts to update heavy vehicle training requirements remain stagnant. Back in 1996, a report highlighted the need for standardised heavy vehicle licensing, and a review was commissioned again in 2013.
Despite three separate studies spanning over two decades, Australia still lacks a national standard for training heavy vehicle drivers before they are licensed.
This failure to implement a fundamental requirement speaks volumes about an administration that favours bureaucratic inertia over practical action.
Road transport companies and associations, including the Victorian Transport Association, have been vocal, offering clear, practical solutions for improving productivity, efficiency, and safety.
Industry leaders consistently put forward detailed recommendations, yet the response from government bodies is slow at best, indifferent at worst. These organisations don’t want to bypass safety measures or cut corners; they simply want to be heard.
The industry’s demands are straightforward: introduce necessary updates, improve training requirements, and reduce the red tape that holds back essential progress. Yet, time and again, the road freight industry is told to wait for bureaucratic processes that don’t deliver.
This is not about avoiding compliance or seeking shortcuts; it’s about ensuring our industry is equipped to meet today’s demands.
Road transport professionals work tirelessly in an already complex and challenging field, navigating red tape that often adds more strain than support. For the road freight industry to thrive, we need bureaucrats to recognise the urgency of industry needs.
We need decision-makers who are brave enough to cut through procedural delays, prioritise effective communication, and act on industry feedback.
By listening and responding in real time, our government can help make Australian roads safer and our economy stronger.
The road freight industry isn’t asking for special treatment; it’s asking for the respect and action it’s earned as one of Australia’s essential sectors.
The call to action is clear: let’s work together to unlock the industry’s potential.
* Peter Anderson is CEO of the Victorian Transport Association
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