In response to the recent NSW Freight Policy Reform, NatRoad is urging the NSW and Australian Government to reject any proposals for a carbon tax on trucks.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australia’s transport industry.
- Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly Deals on Wheels magazine.
- Sell your truck with Australia’s #1 truck classifieds
NatRoad says that over 90 per cent of trucking businesses in Australia are small, family-run businesses, many of which are already grappling with tight margins and rising costs.
“This is a recommendation from an independent panel, not current government policy. However, we believe it is vital that all governments immediately rule out this proposal,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
Clark says imposing a carbon tax on trucks would not help with reducing emissions but would instead add unnecessary financial strain on truck businesses.
“This tax would delay the ability of small and family-owned businesses to invest in lower-emission vehicles. It’s a blunt tool that targets the wrong people, particularly regional and long-distance operators, where low-emission alternatives like electric trucks are not yet viable.”
“Average profit margins in our industry are just 2 per cent, and we have 26,000 unfilled driver positions threatening supply chains.”
He says adding a carbon tax on top of rising diesel prices, road user charges, and inflation will be the tipping point for many businesses.
“A carbon tax like this would also disproportionately impact rural and regional areas, where long-haul freight is critical.”
NatRoad aims to reduce emissions but argues it can be achieved through more effective measures, proposing a $3 billion Clean Transport Fund to help accelerate the adoption of low-emission vehicles and the development of electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
NatRoad calls for the Australian Parliament to legislate a Low Carbon Fuel Standard to reduce the carbon intensity of liquid fuels, and for all governments to improve access for more productive vehicles to reduce emissions through greater efficiency.
“We need practical solutions, not more taxes,” he says.
“With the right infrastructure and support, the road freight industry can transition to net zero in a way that is fair and achievable for everyone.”
While critical of the carbon tax recommendation, NatRoad welcomes several proposals in the report, including immediate action on workforce shortages and road infrastructure improvements.
“We support the recommendations to address the driver shortage by expediting a driver experience license pathway and rolling out National Service Level Standards on roads,” he says.
Read more:
- Sydney welcomes AAA Trailers as it opens its new warehouse
- Trailer Stonestar’s new Alloy Grain Tipper released in time for harvest season
- Queensland market welcomes Gorski Engineering
- A tribute to the truckies of Australia
- The ‘Razzle Dazzle’ Mack Superliner for men’s mental health
Check out the Deals on Wheels Facebook here.