Heavy vehicle industry welcomes new Ministerial portfolios

The heavy vehicle industry has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce will be appointed as the new Infrastructure and Transport Minister.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia’s (HVIA) Acting President, Nathan Usher, says the Deputy Prime Minister is very familiar with the benefits of the Australian heavy vehicle industry’s record of innovation, safety and productivity.

“HVIA looks forward to working with Barnaby Joyce as the new Minister for Infrastructure and Transport,” Mr Usher said. “With the Government in the midst of rolling out a $75 billion infrastructure program, the benefits of high productivity vehicles are being utilised at every major project site across Australia.”

Mr Usher also welcomed Senator Michaelia Cash to the newly created portfolio for Jobs and Innovation.

“While we were concerned to lose a dedicated Minister for Industry to the new super portfolio, Michaelia Cash has formidable record, and a demonstrated history of strong industry engagement,” he said.

Mr Usher pointed to the Government’s commitment to deliver more jobs, more investment, and stronger economic growth.

“Senator Cash’s portfolio takes in industry, innovation and jobs. Australia is home to three major truck manufacturing plants and hundreds of the world’s most innovative trailer and equipment manufacturers, producing state-of-the-art vehicles designed specifically to cater for the Australian market, utilising safety and emissions technology more commonly associated with the highest-end motor vehicles.

“We will work closely with Senator Cash to promote investment in the heavy vehicle industry, and to ensure there is a stronger focus on the strength and capabilities of our manufacturing industry and its highly skilled workforce.”

Mr Usher paid tribute to outgoing Transport Minister Darren Chester’s collaborative approach with the states and industry.

“Darren Chester has been particularly effective at bringing all stakeholders to the table,” Mr Usher said.

“He has overseen landmark changes to the cross-border management of heavy vehicle law including reforms to Chain of Responsibility, Australian Design Rules and enabling unprecedented growth in the use of high productivity vehicles through the Performance Based Standards scheme.”