NTC backs down over reducing weekly hours of truck drivers

The National Transport Commission (NTC) will no longer be pursuing a reduction weekly hours of truck drivers to transport ministers.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz has welcomed the decision.

“This is a common sense outcome, a win for our industry and for truck drivers across Australia,” the assistant minister said.

He also thanked all parties for the constructive way in which they worked to resolve the issue.

Dr Gillian Miles, NTC Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, said that the NTC’s decision came after listening to industry feedback.

“A number of fatigue issues were on the table at our workshop this week, and it was important to hear firsthand from industry, in their own words, why the current outer weekly limits for fatigue are fit for purpose for Australia and its particular geography and supply chains,” Dr Miles said.

The NTC heard that reducing the weekly hours of truck drivers could have perverse safety and productivity outcomes.

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Some long-haul drivers couldn’t get back home in a 60-hour work week, while others may need to find a second job to bridge the pay gap – defeating the safety intent.

“Since Monday’s workshop, the NTC has considered the useful insights as well as seeking views from all participating jurisdictions. As a result, the NTC’s advice to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM) will be that the outer weekly limit for driving hours should remain at 72 hours,” Dr Miles said.

The NTC continues to work closely with industry and jurisdictions as part of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Safety and Productivity Program to create a better national law.

The peak industry body also noted that jurisdiction representatives were also in attendance to hear directly from industry.

It will also continue to work with industry and jurisdictions to ensure a flexible and tiered approach to fatigue management that is suited to Australian conditions.

The NTC has worked closely with industry since the HVNL review in 2019.

“The NTC will continue with a series of workshops because we need industry to be part of the conversation all the way through,” Dr Miles said.

Source: NTC