ATA welcomes new border permit for road freight

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the NSW Government's decision to create a new permit that will allow essential freight workers to travel across the New South Wales-Victoria border without self-isolating.

The move addresses much of the confusion previously surrounding the permit scheme for truck drivers, and follows a push by the ATA and its members for a review of the process for road transport workers.

"The new permit will allow truck drivers to travel between NSW and Victoria to carry out their work duties without the requirement to self-isolate, providing their employer has a COVID-19 Safety Plan," said ATA CEO, Ben Maguire.

"Drivers were being directed to self-isolate for 14 days upon entering NSW, which was impractical. In some cases, the direction was not consistent with the official health order.

"We thank the NSW Government and Transport for NSW for listening to industry and their swift action in rectifying the issue.

"Trucking plays an essential role in Australian communities, ensuring access to food and medicine. We appreciate the government's understanding and support."

The ATA says it believes the new permit will be available to truck drivers by the close of business today (Thursday, July 9).

"This is the kind of leadership we need in these times, and we must ensure confidence and certainty is maintained. There is no room for ambiguity.

"The ATA is working with the NSW Government on the details of the new permit to make sure it works as smoothly as possible, as well as a series of other border control issues."

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With New South Wales effectively shutting its border with Victoria from yesterday (July 8), there is an extra layer of complexity faced by interstate and linehaul truck drivers.

While residents of border regions can apply online for an exemption, other truck drivers travelling from Victoria into NSW will need a COVID-19 NSW border declaration permit.

In addition to this, all truck drivers seeking entry to South Australia must now complete an Online Essential Traveller Application, which replaces the previous paper permit.

The HVIA (Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia) has collated a range of online resources regarding border status, permit application processes and quarantine requirements on its website – click here for more information.