After a joint industry call on the Federal Government, the TWU has welcomed the introduction of a bill to amend the Fair Work Act to allow emergency powers to deal with surging fuel prices causing imminent risk to transport businesses and our national supply chains.
Following its passage in the Lower House, the TWU now urges all sides of Parliament to support the passage of the bill through the Upper House to assist owner drivers, small businesses and transport employers to deal with fuel costs and keep supply chains working safely and efficiently.
These powers would allow the FWC to make orders requiring clients of transport-retailers, manufacturers and mining companies-to ensure that they quickly pay the transport companies they use to cart their goods enough to cover these steep fuel price increases.
On Sunday the TWU, the peak transport employer body the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO), the ATA and NRFA made a joint call on the Federal Government to introduce the powers to ease pressure on workers and transport businesses.
With many drivers and transport operators at crisis point with crippling fuel costs they are unable to recover, there is an imminent risk of widespread business closures and increasing financial pressure on drivers to rush and delay vehicle maintenance without urgent action.
Already this year, 39 people have died in truck crashes on Australian roads, including 11 truck drivers, and transport company liquidations have shot up 48% from the last year.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:
"We commend the Federal Government for acting quickly and decisively after a united call from the industry for urgent action on skyrocketing fuel costs.
"We are already seeing the industry at crisis point: mounting financial stress, small businesses forced to park up their trucks, and more deadly pressure on drivers to cut corners, skip maintenance, and push through fatigue just to stay afloat.
"This urgent bill would ensure clients at the top of the supply chain-retailers, mining companies and manufacturers-pay their fair share of increasing fuel costs. Many have already taken action, but there are too many others pushing costs onto those least able to absorb it. Any delay will see serious impacts on our supply chains and safety on our roads.
"This bill is about keeping supply chains moving, keeping businesses alive, and keeping drivers safe. It deserves urgent, bipartisan support."
Notes
– In 2024, the Albanese government amended the Fair Work Act to ensure the Fair Work Commission (FWC) had power to deal with pressures on workers and businesses in Road Transport
– These powers have a minimum six-month waiting period
– The TWU, ARTIO, ATA and NRFA this week called for amendments to allow these powers to be deployed urgently and immediately by the FWC to deal with emergencies affecting transport like the current fuel price spikes.
– After receiving notification of FWC proceedings, several clients including Coles and Woolworths have already taken interim measures to address fuel spikes.
