The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) says newly announced Government measures are “too little, too late”, warning that dozens of businesses are already being forced to close because of high costs and lack of cashflow.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said recent announcements, including emergency Fair Work Commission powers and moves toward better fuel monitoring failed to address the immediate needs of industry.
Mr Clark urged the Federal Government and National Cabinet to urgently introduce practical measures to give instant relief to operators.
“It’s simple – if you don’t have the funds to buy fuel – which has doubled in cost for most – or to meet your financial obligations, you’re cooked,” he said.
“Even if operators can renegotiate contracts, it will take weeks for payments to catch up. We’re not talking small change here – this month alone we know of operators who have outlaid half a million dollars in cash or more to cover the gap between what their contracts pay and the pump.”
NatRoad is calling on the Federal Government to urgently implement three immediate measures to keep trucks on the road and prevent further economic disruption:
- Activate emergency financial support payments for affected transport businesses
- Introduce a six-month moratorium on heavy vehicle equipment loan repayments through lender hardship arrangements
- Immediately remove the Road User Charge for heavy vehicles
Mr Clark said most small to medium operators simply could not survive until Fair Work Changes flowed through.
“Businesses are going under now — not in weeks, not in months. Today. Drivers are having fuel cards declined. Operators are travelling between stations just to find diesel,” he said.
“This is happening right now and if we don’t see action it will be too late.”
NatRoad is now receiving multiple calls from members daily, desperate for help. Many long term operators have parked up trucks, stood down staff and walked away from their businesses.
Mr Clark warned that the situation will worsen in the coming weeks, with many operators bracing for a financial cliff when March fuel bills fall due.
“When the fuel card bills arrive next month, for many, that will be the end of the road. When trucks stop, Australia stops,” he said.
“This will affect us all if we don’t act. We need to keep supermarket shelves stocked, construction moving and essential goods flowing.”
NatRoad also confirmed it is expanding access to its resources and support, making key tools publicly available to assist operators across the industry during the crisis.
“We are fighting for our members, but we know the entire industry is under pressure,” Mr Clark said.
“That’s why we are making resources available more broadly — because right now, this is about keeping people afloat.”
