SAFE RATES IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY A PRIORITY

The TWU is today calling on the QLD Government to postpone the introduction of the State's Transport Legislation Bill following a Federal Government inquiry into safe rates for the Transport Industry.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday alongside Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Small Business Chris Emerson that the National Transport Commission will investigate and report on driver remuneration and payment methods in the Australian Trucking Industry and make recommendations for reform.

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams said, "Drivers desperately need a national system in place that gives them safe rates of pay and full recovery costs from major clients to ease their financial pressure."

To date, thousands of truck drivers in QLD and across Australia are being forced to drive long hours on our roads to pay for their clients fuel bills and to stay above the poverty line.

Mr Williams said, "So far this year 44 people have been killed in heavy vehicle accidents on QLD Roads and fatigue is a major contributor."

The TWU calls for an urgent meeting with the QLD Government and Transport Minister John Mickel to discuss the need for a safe rate system and a moratorium on the State's Transport Legislation Bill.

The TWU do not want QLD Truck drivers and transport operators to be confused or mislead about the State's new laws and changes to the national road transport regulations.

Press Conference: 3pm, TWU Office, 11 Alexandra Place Murarrie.