Truck rego fees frozen

Transport ministers have agreed to freeze heavy vehicle registration charges at their current levels for the year July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

The decision, reached during a meeting of transport ministers this week, represents a turnaround from a previous assembly in late 2019, where ministers expressed a preference o increase registration charges by 2.5 per cent from July 1, 2020.

The CEO of the Australian Trucking Association, Ben Maguire, said this week's decision was a big win for the truck industry, which followed strong lobbying from the ATA and its member associations.

"Together with our members, we highlighted the enormous financial impact a proposed increase would have on trucking operators across Australia, the majority of which are small and family businesses," he said.

"Having faced the devastating bushfires and now the coronavirus, many businesses have been impacted and seen a decline in activity.

"The ATA is grateful that governments clearly understand the challenges faced by industry and are supporting trucking operators who are doing it tough."

Related reading:
Trucking businesses win from tax decision
Industry welcomes economic package
Industry heaps praise on Government stimulus package

The decision follows the Australian Government's announcement last week that its tax on truck fuel would be frozen at 25.8 cents per litre for 2020 to 2021.

The Western Australian Government is considering its 2020-21 heavy vehicle licence fees independently of the ministers' decision.

"We encourage the Western Australian Government to follow suit and give trucking operators the much needed financial relief that those in the east will receive," Mr Maguire said.

"Trucking business across Australia are all facing the same challenges, and all deserve the same support."