Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the swift action by the Minns Government to convene an industry fuel roundtable, but is calling for further assistance for freight operators as ongoing fuel pressures continue to strain the trucking freight industry.
RFNSW Chief Executive Officer Simon O’Hara said the roundtable brought together more than 60 industry leaders, businesses, unions and government representatives, providing those impacted by the unfolding fuel situation with an important opportunity to share their concerns and gain clarity on the current supply outlook.
“Having informed industry bodies in the room providing valuable input was welcomed as a positive first step, but this must continue as the situation evolves,” Mr. O’Hara said.
“I welcome the commitment for these discussions to continue on a fortnightly basis, ensuring industry remains informed and Government continues to hear directly from operators on the ground.”
Mr O’Hara said RFNSW used the forum to emphasise the critical role freight operators play in keeping NSW supply chains moving and the need to prioritise the sector if fuel supplies tighten.
“April is shaping up to be a crunch month for freight operators and I want to assure the industry that RFNSW is actively advocating on their behalf,” he said.
“At the same time, operators should take steps now to ensure they are prepared should supply pressures escalate. This includes reviewing fuel credit limits and ensuring accounts remain up to date, because the last thing we want is an operator arriving at the bowser without the ability to pay for and access fuel.”
Mr O’Hara said the industry welcomed advice that at least nine fuel shipments are expected to arrive in Australia this month. Additionally, Mr O’Hara welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to release 20 per cent of the fuel reserve to ensure regional centres are supplied, as he articulated with Minister Bowen on Saturday at a press conference at Johnstons Transport in Smithfield.
“The transport industry absolutely relies on diesel, and this supply is fantastic. This will see about five million barrels released allowing service stations, particularly those in regional areas, to be able to release much needed petrol and diesel and ensure that we've got integrity for diesel and petrol.”
“However, with global oil markets remaining volatile and ongoing hostilities in the Middle East creating uncertainty around fuel supply chains, more must be done to support the freight industry during this period.”
RFNSW is now calling on the NSW Government to consider a targeted relief package for freight operators to help ease mounting operational pressures.
“This industry has kept our state moving through natural disasters, global pandemics and major disruptions,” Mr O’Hara said.
“Now more than ever, freight operators need support - whether that be through toll and or payroll relief, greater flexibility in permits, easing the cost of registration, or using PBLIS powers more aggressively, examining port-related costs and faster payment terms for freight operators and subcontractors on state-linked work. There are practical ways Government can help ease the burden for trucking operators.”
Mr O’Hara warned that pressures on the freight sector will ultimately flow through to the broader economy if action is not taken.
“If freight operators are under strain, the impacts will be felt across the NSW economy - on construction sites, supermarkets, farms and pharmacies, where supply chains will tighten and costs will inevitably rise,” he said.
“We must act now to ensure the people of NSW are not hit harder than they already are.”
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