April 17, 2016
Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he will be voting to keep local truck owner-drivers in a job when Parliament returns this week.
Mr Chester met with truck owner-drivers from Gippsland and across Australia at a rally in Canberra on Sunday calling for the abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT).
Legislation will be introduced by the Coalition to abolish the RSRT, which targeted one section of the transport industry with a controversial 2016 minimum rates order that has made owner-driver businesses unviable.
“I’m looking forward to getting into the Parliament to vote for them to keep their jobs,” Mr Chester said.
“The tribunal established by the Labor-Greens-Independents had nothing to do with road safety and was all about a deal to pacify the Transport Workers Union.
“The Prime Minister confirmed today if the tribunal is abolished, the $4 million savings will be given to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator which is already working with industry to improve safety, reduce red tape and keep the transport industry productive and efficient.”
Mr Chester said the tribunal was undermining family-run trucking businesses.
“I’m proud to stand on the side of hard working mums and dads who have invested in their businesses and the future of regional communities.”
CAPTION: Gippsland truck drivers ‘Specs’ Cottrell from Stratford and Darrin Woerz from Maffra with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester at a rally supporting truck owner-drivers in Canberra today.
