Truckies shall be focused by a brand new federal physique that can set minimal requirements for owner-drivers underneath proposed modifications to the nation’s office legal guidelines.
Tabled by Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke as a part of an omnibus invoice on Monday, the modifications will set up an ‘Expert Panel’ for the street transport trade inside Australia’s industrial umpire, the Fair Work Commission, to set minimal requirements, together with pay charges and situations for truck drivers.
The opposition and employer teams instantly branded the modifications as a method to revive the ill-fated Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) established by the Gillard authorities in 2012.
The RSRT got here underneath hearth after it issued a controversial order establishing a nationwide minimal pay charge and unpaid depart for drivers.
Owner-drivers protested that its minimal charges undercut their viability, resulting in the eventual abolition of the RSRT in 2016.
But Mr Burke mentioned the proposed reforms had been a results of session with trade teams and unions, which each backed the federal government’s issues.
“We’re a government that brings people together and that’s what we’ve done with these important road transport reforms,” Mr Burke mentioned.
“There is now a broad consensus that we need minimum standards in this sector to protect lives and ensure a sustainable and viable trucking industry.”
A brand new ‘road transport advisory group’ shall be established to information the Fair Work Commission. Its membership will embrace owner-driver representatives and union teams.
The Transport Workers Union, which has lengthy campaigned for enforceable minimal requirements within the transport sector, and opposed the RSRT’s abolition, welcomed the announcement.
“Transport has never been more united in backing this reform to reverse the crisis in our industry,” TWU secretary Michael Kaine mentioned.
“The tabling of lifesaving transport reform in federal parliament is a significant moment for our industry. It brings hope that the days of deadly and unsustainable commercial pressures are numbered.
“This legislation is urgent. Already this year, 156 people have been killed in truck crashes – roughly five deaths a week – and 39 of those were truck drivers.”
In the federal government’s media launch saying the reforms, NatRoad chief government Warren Clark, whose organisation represents street transport companies, additionally supported the modifications.
“We can’t keep losing hundreds of businesses annually under the tough economic conditions that have permeated the industry for years,” Mr Clark mentioned.
“This reform will give operators the confidence of fair contract terms to invest in equipment, recruit drivers, and get on with the job safely and sustainably.”
It’s understood, nonetheless, that Mr Clark had not seen the main points of the laws earlier than offering remark.
But some business teams are fiercely against the reforms with Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief government Andrew McKellar arguing the modifications would translate to larger costs for customers on the grocery store checkout.
“The government is effectively reviving the failed Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal. Multiple independent reviews found this failure to have cost the lives and livelihoods of hardworking owner-drivers,” Mr McKellar mentioned.
“This new body within the Fair Work Commission will have the same profound impact on the road transport industry.
“Australians will ultimately feel the pinch at the supermarket checkout.”
Another level of rivalry is new regulatory powers the minister can have over street transport provide chain contributors.
Under the proposed modifications, the minister will be capable to introduce new rules if they’re happy they’re to advertise “equitable workplace” outcomes, a “safe, sustainable and viable road transport industry”, “sustainable competition” or “fairness”.
Also included within the invoice tabled by Mr Burke are proposals to extend regulation within the gig financial system, clamp down on labour rent, a neater pathway for informal employees to transform to everlasting roles, and elevated penalties for wage underpayments.
The modifications shall be debated within the House for 4 weeks earlier than progressing to the Senate later this 12 months.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
