NatRoad says Australia is at risk of returning to the days of empty supermarket shelves, threatening the nation’s supply chain and economic stability, unless National Cabinet shows leadership to address the nation’s growing truck driver shortage.
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Currently, there are more than 26,000 unfilled driver positions and the situation is expected to get worse with road freight projected to increase by 77 per cent from 2020 to 2050.
NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark says the lack of truck drivers affects all Australians.
“Many Australians learned during COVID what happens when the supply chain is disrupted – empty shelves,” he says.
The heavy vehicle industry really is the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing essential services in transport, logistics, and supply chains across the country.”
“If left unchecked, this driver shortage will disrupt every aspect of life, from grocery shop shelves to construction, industrial production and exports.”
According to the 2024 International Road Transport Union (IRU) Truck Driver Shortage Survey, almost half of Australian freight businesses (49 per cent) are already facing severe or very severe difficulties filling driver positions.
The survey also found 38% of businesses expect the shortage to worsen in the next 12 months.
Smaller businesses particularly are struggling with a lack of access to training programs and diversifying their workforce.
In response, NatRoad has proposed a National Road Freight Workforce Action Plan with eight key elements:
- Create a national truck driver standard
- Implement the national truck driver apprenticeship
- Develop a National Heavy Vehicle Skills Hub
- Introduce training incentives
- Reform licencing and training
- Deliver key actions in the ISA Workforce Plan
- Recognise driver skill levels
- Address other road freight industry skills shortages
“It also should not be forgotten this goes beyond the dire economic crisis. This is also about safety for our truck drivers and all other road users,” Clark says.
“We need urgent coordinated action and leadership from National Cabinet because this crisis requires reform from multiple governments.
“We need all levels of government and industry to work together to resolve the current and future driver shortages and ensure that Australia’s road transport network remains safe, efficient, and sustainable.”
Clark concludes by saying it’s possible to secure the future of Australia’s road freight industry and ensure the continued delivery of essential goods and services by working together.
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