ATA welcomes 30-day payment terms bill in Vic
Victorian Government introduces bill for prompt payment terms for owner-drivers in road transport and harvesting/haulage contractors in forestryThe Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed a new bill introduced by the Victorian Government requiring 30-day payment terms for truck owner-drivers.
The Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Amendment Bill 2019 would require 30-day payment terms for owner-drivers in the transport industry and harvesting and haulage contractors in the forestry industry.
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"The introduction of this Bill is welcome news for small trucking business and would require invoices from owner-drivers to be paid within 30 days of receipt," ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.
"Small businesses make up 98 per cent of the trucking industry. They are not banks. They cannot afford to extend finance to large customers.
"Mandating 30-day payment terms is a practical measure that would support Australia's owner drivers and should be extended nationally."
Mr Maguire said in this federal election campaign, the ATA is pressing for 30-day payment terms to be rolled out across Australia.
"This is a national issue that requires national leadership from the next government," he said.
Anyone who doesn't comply with the new bill in Victoria will face fines of up to $800 per offence, or up to $4000 if the matter reaches court.
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