Last week the Federal Treasurer met with state and territory Treasurers to discuss economic reforms following August’s Economic Roundtable. Following the meeting several statements were released that contained a significant focus on the heavy vehicle and transport sector, including access reform and road user charging.
Within broader efforts by the Productivity Commission to reform Australia’s National Competition Policy (NCP), which HVIA has been engaging in, the Treasurers agreed to expand the NCP priorities to now now include heavy vehicle access reforms, with the intent to improve transport productivity and reduce or remove regulations that disadvantage electric heavy vehicles.
The NCP is supported by a $900 million National Productivity Fund. This is a progressive step to see heavy vehicles included in the government’s productivity priorities which are backed by significant capital.
The NCP will also take further action on recognising international standards and harmonising state standards. HVIA has been providing information to the Productivity Commission on these topics and has indicated that there are instances where harmonisation has not worked for our sector. HVIA has indicated that it is in Australia’s best interests to deviate from international standards and regulations in some instances, despite the overarching general need to harmonise where possible and sensible.
HVIA has long suggested priority reforms for access should include harmonising and streamlining state and local government freight access policies. This involves creating a consistent access weight for low- and zero-emission heavy vehicles (LZEHVs), and a less risk-averse attitude from the state road managers.
Our roads and bridges were made to be driven on, and some damage will occur to these assets with use. Heavier vehicles do not immediately destroy these assets but may result in slightly faster degradation. This is not a valid reason to restrict access, particularly when reducing emissions is a priority for Australia. Without consistent access, private industry will not have the confidence to invest in these vehicles, hampering Australia’s efforts to achieve net zero.
In addition, the Treasurers agreed to complete further work on a road user charge (RUC) for electric vehicles and will seek to ensure reforms do not deter the continued take-up of electric vehicles.
They have indicated that they will seek more equitable treatment across vehicle types and want to provide certainty to support investment, stating that the design of reforms will be simple, minimise administration and compliance, and that they will phase in any changes to the RUC.
HVIA supports the principle of equity and would like to hear from members on this topic as we develop our response.
Reach out HVIA Chief Advocacy Officer Adele Lausberg at a.lausberg@hvia.asn.au if you’d like to discuss any of the above.