The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has released a major case study revealing the impact of inconsistent regulation on Australia’s Transport & Logistics (T&L) industry.
“This report has finds inconsistent regulation is costing Australia far in excess of $100 million per annum in lost productivity,” says Hal Morris, ALC Chief Executive.
The Case Study focuses on the Sunraysia/Riverland region, which includes three jurisdictions — NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The Report identifies four priority areas for action;
- Adopt nationally consistent regulation
- Expand access for higher productivity vehicles
- Adopt national codes
- Coordinate cross border transport systems
The ALC recognises Governments are working towards many of these goals but reiterates that real reform is critical.
“To ensure the T&L industry operates safely, efficiently and competitively, appropriate regulation by governments must be applied in a nationally consistent manner," Morris says.
"Unfortunately inconsistent, and at times, inappropriate regulation places major imposts on business.”
“For too long jurisdictions have got away with saying 'Yes — but we are different'. It is time governments commit to real national uniformity rather than retreating to the current 'lowest common denominator' regulation,” Morris says.
The report finds stark examples of the impact on industry including the lack of access across borders for higher productivity vehicles which is costing the wine industry in the region between $1.6 and $2 million per annum.
The Report makes 13 specific recommendations for action under these priority areas. These recommendations can be found on the ALC website .
While the Case Study centres on the Sunraysia/Riverland Region, many other cross border regions are also effected including Echuca/Moama, Albury/Wodonga, 'The Green Triangle' and Tweed Heads/Coolangatta.
Interstate transport between State capitals is also affected by the inconsistent regulation.
The ALC performed this work in partnership with the Victorian Government with the support of the Victorian and South Australia Freight Councils.
The report was launched at the ALC Annual Forum on behalf of Federal Minister for Infrastructure Minister Albanese by Deputy Secretary Lyn O’Connell as the Minister was unable to leave the extended Parliamentary sittings.