FARMERS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE

The QLD Transport Workers Union will be lobbying the QLD Government to make sure Farmers are held accountable for their produce getting to market.

The call comes with Queensland's horticulture body Growcom meeting with Department of Transport officials today seeking amendments to the Government's Chain of Responsibility Act 57AB (Driver safety is the responsibility of all those who participate in road transport activities, primary producers).

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams says, "I know for a fact that farmers/producers force their drivers to do illegal hours to make sure their produce arrives fresh."

Mr Williams says, "We can not have section 57AB amended otherwise the State's heavy vehicle road toll will continue to climb."

So far this year, 41 people have been killed in heavy vehicle accidents on QLD Roads, 10 more than this time last year. In 2007, QLD recorded there highest heavy vehicle road toll 65.

The TWU is requesting that the QLD Government make no amendments to the current legislation until the Transport Workers Union can address their concerns.

The TWU strives to save lives on Queensland's roads.