Independent regulator critical for industry: ATA

Australian Trucking Association says price regulator is a "critical reform" and should be rushed through

According to the Chair of the Australian Trucking Association, Noelene Watson, the trucking industry backs the Australian Government’s commitment to consult on options for an independent price regulator for heavy vehicle charging.

"Trucking operators are overcharged for our use of the roads, with the National Transport Commission finding that truck and bus operators will be overcharged by $515 million over the next two years," Mrs Watson said.

"Establishing an independent price regulator is a critical reform that should be progressed with urgency.

"The Government has previously committed to transition to independent heavy vehicle price regulation by 2017-18, and the trucking industry strongly encourages the Government to maintain this schedule.

"The independent price regulator should be set up so transport ministers can set legally binding pricing rules in accordance with legislated pricing and consultation principles. Ministers must not have the power to override or review pricing determinations, and there must be merits-based appeals to the Australian Competition Tribunal.

"We look forward to taking up Minister Fletcher’s commitment of extensive consultation with the industry."

Mrs Watson said independent price regulation and the reform of heavy vehicle charging was also dependent on supply side reform.

"In shifting to a forward-looking cost base for heavy vehicle charging, it is critical that the model includes regular audits of the cost of maintaining and building roads," she said.

"If trucking operators are to pay for forecast expenditure, it needs to be transparent and accountable."

The ATA has provided the National Transport Commission and the Government with a submission setting out a possible architecture for independent price regulation.

Independent regulator critical for industry: ATA

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