King Holds Out Olive Branch To Trucking Industry
July 10th, 2008
Annette King is hoping to defuse growing tension between the road transport sector and the Govt by setting up a working party, including industry representatives, to examine the formula for setting Road User Charges (RUC). As part of this process, a preliminary meeting between Road Transport Forum CEO, Tony Friedlander, and acting Secretary for Transport, Wayne Donnelly, has been held. As a result of this meeting, Donnelly has agreed to prepare details including proposed terms of reference for the working party for another meeting next week, so these can be finalised with King.
However, Friedlander has made it clear he expects quick action from the Govt on the issue and is warning further protest action could take place if the industry is not satisfied with progress. Despite the threat, King is not promising any radical changes and says the RUC increase could have been double the level imposed but resisted such a recommendation put to her by officials. She wants to examine the formula for setting these, to ensure all road users pay their fair share of maintaining and building roads, and improving public transport.
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