Claims about commitment to transport reform incorrect

11/8/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has rejected claims by Federal Transport Minister Bob Collins that Western Australia was backing away from its commitment to national transport reform.

While addressing today's Australian Freight Congress, Senator Collins criticised Mr Charlton and Western Australia for their often non-conformist stance on transport reforms. 

Senator Collins said he was concerned and disappointed that Western Australia's commitment to national uniformity may only be limited to those Ministerial council determinations which suited the State.

He suggested Western Australia stood alone and that its attitude represented no commitment at all to reform.

"It is true to say Western Australia will not go along with changes that clearly disadvantage the industry at home, but this should not be viewed as an attempt to unnecessarily frustrate the process," Mr Charlton said.

"Nor is it a signal that we have backed away from genuine reform.

"Western Australia has demonstrated its willingness to bring about genuine reform on more than one occasion through the authority of the National Road Transport Commission.

"Senator Collins is disgruntled because Western Australia has resisted uniform national registration fees for heavy haulage, on the basis that it is unnecessary and would see soaring costs for the heavy haulage industry in Western Australia.

"Senator Collins should challenge some of the other States which have committed themselves to the proposed Peg Bill and seek from them a further commitment that they will introduce complementary legislation.

"It is my belief some will not, particularly if it means less revenue from registration charges for the States.

"At least Western Australia has been up front on these issues and made it quite clear to the Commonwealth and other States where it stands and for what reasons."

Mr Charlton said that to agree to the national proposal would have seen registration fees for Western Australian operators rise by between 30 and 40 per cent.

It would have added thousands of dollars to the costs of operators with no benefit to the industry.

"The industry in this State certainly does not need that type of impost at this time.

"There is firm evidence that Western Australia is leading the nation out of recession.  Transport is a vital factor in the broad picture, particularly in the mining and resources sector, and the Government is not willing to jeopardise the pace of recovery by taking decisions that disadvantage the transport industry in this State.

"In some respects, Western Australia is setting the lead in transport reforms.  For instance, it is currently pursuing a number of initiatives through the NRTC such as air bag suspension and tri axles and extended lengths for B-double configurations.

"Given certain changes, B-double truck and trailer combinations could well replace many of the existing operations carried out by road trains which are bigger units.

"Western Australia has also supported uniform signing arrangements for oversize loads.

"Where there is demonstrable benefit from uniform regulation, Western Australia will agree, but it will not support change just for the sake of it."

Mr Charlton said he hoped Senator Collins would honour his commitment to consult the States before his planned announcement on the development of a National Transport Planning Taskforce, which the Senator hinted at, at today's conference.

"All too often, the Federal Government presents its proposals to the States as a fait accompli, and then complains when there is a backlash," he said.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333