A Coalition Government would axe the controversial Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) if re-elected at the next Federal poll, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Sunday.
The tribunal has been causing angst for owner-drivers by setting a mandatory pay scale which many claim would price them out of existence.
However, unions have linked pay rates with road safety.
The Transport Workers Union has argued that higher rates of pay are essential to reduce pressure on drivers to travel long stretches without a rest.
The RSRT was set up by the Labor Federal Government in 2012.
Prime Minister Turnbull said on Sunday there was no link between road safety and remuneration.
Queensland Nationals Senator Barry O’Sullivan said the Prime Minister’s announcement was a “win for common sense”.
He said it provided the clearest pathway to ensure the long-term viability of the transport industry.
Senator O’Sullivan said he would now happily retire his own private Senator’s Bill and throw his full support behind the Prime Minister’s plan to reallocate funds from an abolished RSRT to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
“Today the Prime Minister has made clear his long-term intention is to abolish the tribunal,” Senator O’Sullivan said.
“This is the news so many of us have wanted to hear. It is a win for common sense.
“This decision demonstrates the Prime Minister has listened to the concerns of owner-drivers across the nation and is prepared to take decisive action to defend the interests of small business in Australia.
“I now call on my federal colleagues of all political persuasions to support this plan to give real certainty to our owner-drivers.”
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