Transport industry group, the Australian Trucking Association has congratulated deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on continuing in his role as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development.
“Michael McCormack understands trucking and the important role it plays in the Australian economy. He has demonstrated a commitment to improving industry safety and productivity since he was first appointed to the role in 2018,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch said.
“He is a well-known advocate for small business, as well as regional and remote Australia. I’m certain he will continue to advocate for and support the road transport industry,” he said.
Mr Crouch said Deputy Prime Minister McCormack had demonstrated an understanding of the importance of trucking, having already made important contributions to the improvement of industry safety and productivity.
“Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister McCormack delivered $400,000 of Government funding to assist in the redevelopment of the Volvo ATA Safety Truck – an initiative that will educate young drivers and vulnerable road users about how to share the road safely with trucks,” Mr Crouch said.
“He has also delivered much-needed funding for heavy vehicle safety initiatives and road safety projects through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
“Deputy Prime Minister McCormack shares the ATA’s vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,” he said.
The ATA also congratulated Alan Tudge, who will enter Cabinet as Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure in the Treasury portfolio, and Scott Buchholz, who will be Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport.
“We are very pleased that the Government has recognised the importance road safety and our industry by refocusing Scott Buchholz’s role. It’s a great appointment,” Mr Crouch said.
“The ATA and our member associations look forward to continuing to work with Deputy Prime Minister McCormack and his portfolio team on important issues such as the need for independent, no-blame safety investigations of heavy vehicle crashes, more and improved truck rest areas, and mandating advanced safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking,” Mr Crouch said.
“We also call on Deputy Prime Minister McCormack to lead action on the reviews into the Heavy Vehicle National Law and heavy vehicle accreditation,” Mr Crouch said.
“It is vital we see substantial reform in this space to support the hardworking individuals and businesses that call the Australian trucking industry home,” he said.
In other portfolio announcements, David Littleproud will be Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management. Mark Coulton will be Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government. Andrew Gee will be the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, and Nola Marino will become Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories.
