The National Road Transport Association has renewed its call for sensible and consistent border crossing rules ahead of this afternoon’s National Cabinet meeting.
NatRoad members have flooded their national office with enquiries since various States and Territories introduced a range of new rules over the weekend.
“We’re used to sudden changes in the rules but this time around the situation seems even more fluid,” said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.
“Queensland has removed the exemption for where a freight worker has been at an interstate exposure site. They must now quarantine for 14 days.
“The industry will stop if drivers have to isolate until a test outcome is received.
“South Australia is requiring drivers to isolate until they receive a negative COVID result or have a current negative test not less than seven-days-old.
“The SA border pass requires an applicant to enter an address where they are staying. As a driver will typically sleep in the cabin of the truck, they have no address for their short time in SA.
“Surely we have been in this pandemic long enough for National Cabinet to agree to introducing a National Freight Pass.
“Each state and territory should at least have consistent rules, a dedicated border heavy vehicle lane and a standalone pass for freight.”
Mr Clark said it was time for National Cabinet to look at road freight’s issues not only in the context of productivity but also safety.
“Long delays at borders have a serious impact on their ability of drivers to adhere to fatigue management requirements,” Mr Clark said.
