Truck drivers' decision not to strike welcomed

6/6/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today welcomed the decision by Western Australian truck drivers not to strike.

He said the Government recognised the importance of the road transport industry to the WA economy and had always had a policy of strong support for it.

Mr Charlton said the WA Government was the only State Government to give intrastate operators a 25 per cent concession on registration fees.

"The new national heavy vehicle registration system was forced on WA but actually will mean that more than eight out of 10 of the State's transport fleet will be paying the same or lower fees," he said.

"I am pleased that WA owner-operators have recognised this Government's support for their industry.

"The impact on the top end of the transport industry is recognised and its concerns need to be acknowledged."

The increase in distillate prices, which had been complained about by the TWU, was nothing to do with the State Government.

Mr Charlton is on his way to Canberra to attend a national Transport Ministers' conference tomorrow.

The Department of Transport is running a hotline for people needing information on how the new system will affect them. The hotline number is 1300 363 970.

Media contact: Sally Squires 321 7333