Call for concensus decision-making by NRTC

19/5/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton wants concensus decision-making between the States and Commonwealth under the operations of the new National Road Transport Commission.

Mr Charlton said issues to be handled by the NRTC, including uniform regulations, should be decided where practicable through discussion between the Commonwealth and States.

"What I do not want to see is legislative backing for the NRTC that locks out input from the States," he said.

"The Federal Government's legislation, under which the NRTC will operate, should allow for concensus decision-making where possible.

"It would not be in the best interests of Western Australia or any other State to have Canberra dictating road transport policy."

Mr Charlton said he could not support an NRTC that forced WA to increase road user charges to subsidise falls in such charges in other States.

"For instance, road user charges in New South Wales are high and out of step with other States," he said.

"If it is the intention of the Commonwealth to lower charges in NSW, but bump them up in other States to cover the shortfall in revenue this would create, it can expect a hostile response."

Mr Charlton will develop the argument at next month's Australian Transport Advisory Council meeting in Sydney.

Also at the meeting, he intends presenting WA's case for more equitable road funding arrangements between the Commonwealth and States.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333 : 222 9595