The Coalition Government has today announced that it will be introducing legislation into the House of Representatives in the week commencing 18 April 2016 to ensure that orders setting mandatory remuneration rates for truck drivers cannot commence before 1 January 2017.

The Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal Payments Order that was due to commence on 4 April has been temporarily delayed pending the outcome of an urgent appeal brought by industry against the commencement date of the order, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said this legislation, if passed by the Senate, will provide certainty for the trucking industry while reform options for the Road Safety Remuneration system are considered by the Government.

“Today I also announce that given the urgency of this matter, consultations with key industry stakeholders for reform options for the system will commence this week,” Minister Cash said.

“This is a priority for the Government as owner-drivers are the lifeblood of the economy. Anything which threatens their viability will have significant implications across the country – this is not something we will tolerate.”

“If the payments order was to come into effect as planned it would be devastating for thousands of owner-drivers and consumers alike.”