Peak bodies welcome new Transport Minister

Barnaby Joyce welcomed as new Transport Minister by NatRoad and ATA

Following the announcement from Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull about new Ministerial arrangements, both NatRoad and the ATA have warmly welcomed the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP (pictured) as the new Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Prime Minster made the announcement yesterday afternoon (Dec 19) commenting: “I’m delighted to welcome Barnaby Joyce back as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport – a vital portfolio as the Government rolls out its record $75 billion infrastructure program.”

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said: “We look forward to working with Barnaby Joyce, in building a safe, efficient and effective road transport industry for future years.

“We welcome a fresh perspective to a portfolio which is a vital component of building Australia’s productivity, particularly in rural and regional Australia.

“We hope to meet with the new Minster shortly, to discuss the prominent issues facing today’s trucking industry, including issues which need urgent attention.”

The Australian Trucking Association also welcomed Mr Joyce as new Infrastructure and Transport Minister

Chair of the ATA, Geoff Crouch said: “Barnaby Joyce has a wealth of experience and understanding of regional Australia, and understands the importance of roads and transport to communities right across Australia,” Mr Crouch said.

“Trucking is an enabler of opportunity, allowing businesses to reach domestic and international markets, consumers to purchase goods, farms to sell their produce, and construction materials to enable new developments.”

The Deputy Prime Minister will be responsible for a significant transport agenda in 2018.

“The Government has announced a $75 billion infrastructure program, plans for progressing road pricing reform, launching a new national freight and supply chain strategy, and important reviews into safety accreditation schemes, the National Road Safety Strategy, and the National Land Transport Network,” Mr Crouch said.

“It’s a significant to-do list and the ATA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the views of the trucking industry are well represented.

Mr Crouch also welcomed the reappointment of Paul Fletcher as Minister for Urban Infrastructure, and now also with responsibility for cities.

“Paul Fletcher has shown a commitment to engage with trucking operators on the details of heavy vehicle reforms, and we look forward to that continuing,” Mr Crouch said.

“There is a pressing need to enhance a new national agenda on land transport safety and productivity, and the ATA looks forward to engaging with Barnaby Joyce, Paul Fletcher and the Australian Government to make this a reality.”

Both spokesmen paid thanks to the service of outgoing Transport Minister Darren Chester.

“We’d also like to extend our appreciation to outgoing minister Darren Chester, for his contribution to the Road Transport Industry in his time as Minister. We admired his energy, intelligence and commitment to the portfolio,” said Clark.

With Mr Crouch adding: “The trucking industry thanks Darren Chester for his work as Transport Minister and in particular his commitment and passion for road safety”.

Peak bodies welcome new Transport Minister

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