The federal Budget is good news for the trucking industry and working families, according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA). ATA
The federal Budget is good news for the trucking industry and working families, according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).
ATA Chairman Trevor Martyn says the Budget, including $3.2 billion to fund road and rail projects, will help keep the industry’s costs down and boost productivity and safety by fixing infrastructure bottlenecks.
The ATA has also welcomed the Government’s decision to retain the fuel tax credit scheme.
“The fuel tax credit scheme has a vital role in keeping our costs down – and a vital role in keeping downward pressure on the grocery prices paid by working families,” Martyn says.
“The Government came under intense pressure from the green movement to eliminate fuel tax credits, and the Budget decision shows how it is supporting working families.”
Martyn says the Government has delivered the money that is needed to keep upgrading Australia’s transport system.
The new Building Australia Fund will provide a constant stream of money to help upgrade roads, he says.
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has also welcomed the $20 billion fund, which it says will focus attention on ensuring freight links flow freely.
“$20 billion for infrastructure announced in tonight’s Budget is a substantial commitment to building the road and rail networks and ports required for our national future and will be embraced by our transport and logistics industry,” ALC Chairman Ivan Backman says.
“It is vital, however, that the bulk of these funds are directed to the economic arteries of our nation, our freight network.”
The ALC recently released a list of the top 24 supply chain blockages and believes these should be given the highest priority for funding.
“I note that the fund will also finance investment in broadband infrastructure. While this is important for our nation and should be welcomed, investment in these networks should be considered separately from funding for our transport supply chains including roads, railways and ports,” Backman says.
“It is welcome to see the $20 billion committed to the Building Australia Fund is in addition to the $22.3 billion already provided in previous budgets to AusLink 2 from 2009-10 to 2013-14.
“The ALC looks forward to working with the Federal Government to ensure the highest priorities are funded and addressed.”