The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has shown its support to Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) call for governments to step up the pace and progress key regulatory reforms in the transport sector.
CEO of the ALC, Michael Kilgariff, said he agreed with the IA’s conclusion that slow progress in progressing regulatory reform is one of the four main infrastructure challenges facing Australia.
“ALC agrees with Infrastructure Australia’s assessment that the pace of regulatory reform is slow and stronger leadership from all levels of government is required to see these important reforms come to fruition,” said Mr Kilgariff.
“Infrastructure Australia has rightly challenged governments to overcome their resistance to sensible reforms, which analysis suggests could offer benefits of many billions of dollars in the long term. For example, it is predicted that the implementation of heavy vehicle regulatory reforms could deliver benefits of around $12 billion to the Australian economy.
“Sir Rod and his team at Infrastructure Australia have a strong ally in the Australian Logistics Council when it comes to prosecuting the case for regulatory reform for heavy vehicles, rail safety and maritime safety in Australia.
“ALC is a strong advocate of these reforms as we regard them as critical to improving productivity across the supply chain, improving safety and reducing duplication and compliance costs.
“Similarly, ALC is also calling for renewed focus on COAG’s road reform program, and to achieving a national approach to freight infrastructure.”
He added that Australia also runs the risk of missing a historic opportunity to reform the transport sector if the states and territories don’t embrace the need for change.
“ALC is of the view that all infrastructure projects must be assessed against a long term plan driven by volumes, to ensure an effective framework for decision making by financiers and private/public sector players.
“ALC also believes we need to ensure we are getting the most out of existing infrastructure networks, which is why COAG has implemented the COAG road reform plan process.
“CRRP is taking an in-depth depth look at how infrastructure can be used more effectively, which will help to underpin the right infrastructure being built in the right place at the right time.
“ALC notes with interest Infrastructure Australia’s proposal to introduce an east coast tolling regime to pay for the upgrades of major highways, including the Pacific and Hume highways.
“It is incumbent on the Government to offer some options as to what sort of mechanisms should be applied to funding infrastructure at their National Tax Forum – a debate ALC looks forward to engaging in if it is given a seat at the table at the Forum later this year.”