Major transport and truck industry lobby group NatRoad, has said that Australia risks returning to the days of empty supermarket shelves unless National Cabinet shows leadership to address the nation’s growing truck driver shortage.
NatRoad says there are more than 26,000 unfilled driver positions threatening the nation’s supply chain and economic stability.
The situation is projected to get worse, with road freight projected to increase by 77 per cent from 2020 to 2050.
According to the 2024 International Road Transport Union (IRU) Truck Driver Shortage Survey, almost half of Australian freight businesses (49 per cent) are already facing severe or very severe difficulties filling driver positions.
The survey also found 38 per cent of businesses expect the shortage to worsen in the next 12 months and that maller businesses in particular are struggling with a lack of access to training programs and diversifying their workforce.
In response, NatRoad says it has proposed a National Road Freight Workforce Action Plan with eight key elements, including creating a national truck driver standard, implement the national truck driver apprenticeship scheme, developing a National Heavy Vehicle Skills Hub, introduce training incentives, reforming licencing and training, delivering key actions in the ISA workforce plan, recogniseing driver skill levels and addressing other road freight industry skills shortages
NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark said the lack of truck drivers affects all Australians.
“Many Australians learned during COVID what happens when the supply chain is disrupted – empty shelves. The heavy vehicle industry really is the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing essential services in transport, logistics, and supply chains across the country,” Clark said
“If left unchecked, this driver shortage will disrupt every aspect of life, from grocery shop shelves to construction, industrial production and exports,” he said.
“It also should not be forgotten this goes beyond the dire economic crisis. This is also about safety for our truck drivers and all other road users.
“We need urgent coordinated action and leadership from National Cabinet because this crisis requires reform from multiple governments.
“We need all levels of government and industry to work together to resolve the current and future driver shortages and ensure that Australia’s road transport network remains safe, efficient, and sustainable.
“Together, we can secure the future of Australia’s road freight industry and ensure the continued delivery of essential goods and services,” Mr Clark concluded.
