Western Australia seeks national support on road train reforms

11/12/01
Western Australia is offering to take the lead in setting higher standards for the road transport industry.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has organised a two-day meeting of almost 50 delegates from all Australian States and Territories in Perth.
Ms MacTiernan said the conference was considering setting higher standards in areas such as safety training, driver fatigue management and vehicle maintenance.
"As a result of the road train summits held earlier this year, the Western Australian Government, in consultation with the industry, will make accreditation a condition of transport operators obtaining permits to operate heavy vehicles," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The summits identified driver and vehicle safety as high priorities, both for the community and for the transport industry.
"National support for this approach would make the road freight industry safer both for operators and for the public."
Among the delegates attending the conference, which concludes today, are John Allan, the Federal Secretary of the Transport Workers' Union and Stuart Hicks, Chairman of the National Road Transport Commission.
Kathy Williams, the chair of the Australian Trucking Association, a peak industry body, is attending, along with leaders of other road transport industry organisations.
"These people are central to achieving a consensus on the issue and then putting it into effect," Ms MacTiernan said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400