Safe Rates Legislation to Reduce Road Deaths

[Jonno]

'Safe Rates' legislation will substantially reduce $2.7 billion cost of truck incidents annually - Statement by Tony Sheldon, National Secretary of the Transport Workers UnionRelease date: 30/01/2012

Legislation for safe conditions and rates of pay in the road transport industry will not only substantially reduce the appalling toll of more than 330 lives lost each year in Australia's most dangerous industry, but it will save taxpayers from continuing to foot a $2.7 billion bill each year.  That's according to Tony Sheldon, National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union (TWU).


Legislation for safe conditions and rates of pay in the road transport industry will not only substantially reduce the appalling toll of more than 330 lives lost each year in Australia's most dangerous industry, but it will save taxpayers from continuing to foot a $2.7 billion bill each year.  That's according to Tony Sheldon, National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

Speaking today as the TWU lodged their submission to the Federal Committee on Infrastructure and Communications on the Road Safety Remuneration Bill, Tony Sheldon stated "The recent spate of major accidents involving trucks on our roads has once again highlighted the urgent need for legislation to make our roads safer for every Australian.  However, it will also save hard working taxpaying families the huge burden of paying for the lack of safe rates and conditions in the industry.

The road transport industry is the most dangerous industry in Australia, with a fatality rate that is an appalling 10 times the Australian industry average. Each year 330 people are killed and more than 5,300 are injured.  These are husbands, sons, siblings, mates and neighbours needlessly killed or maimed on our roads."

The committee will hold a parliamentary hearing in the coming weeks, which will be followed by a vote on the 'Road Safety Remuneration Bill' in the Australian House of Representatives.  The TWU is currently undertaking intensive campaigning, led by the wives and families of truck drivers across Australia.

"In addition to saving lives, this legislation will help to substantially reduce the toll the Australian economy pays each year as a result of heavy vehicle incidents. Each road death costs $1.7 million and each injury in an incident costs $408,000. The total cost has been independently valued at more than $2.7 billion each year. Offering drivers fair working conditions and safe rates will substantially reduce this figure."

"We have had more than 20 years of commissions, coroners reports and Inquires which have highlighted time and again the link between the transport safety crises and economic factors. Now it is time for action to tackle this ongoing safety crisis. Transport workers are dictated to by major corporations who dominance in the market allows them to demand unrealistic delivery schedules, force drivers to queue unpaid for hours to load or unload their trucks, and to offer rates that are frequently below minimum wage once costs are deducted," said Tony.

"The transport industry helps to make this country great, ensuring that mangoes from Bowen can be enjoyed in Perth and that Tasmanian cheese can be savoured in Darwin. Owner-drivers and employee-drivers should not have to work in an industry with a fatality rate that is 10 times the industrial average.  Drivers don't want to be millionaires; like every Australian they deserve a fair wage for a fair day's work.

Tony Sheldon concluded "Our submission highlights the severe pressures currently placed by major retailers, such as Coles, on transport drivers and how the proposed legislation will result in safer roads for every Australian.  The TWU is asking everyone who supports safer roads to work together to ensure that this legislation is passed so that we can tackle the safety crisis on our roads.

[achiruel]

Or alternatively, bring the 19th century rail network in this country into the 21st century...even if it has to be dragged kicking & screaming! 

[Jonno]

Or alternatively, bring the 19th century rail network in this country into the 21st century...even if it has to be dragged kicking & screaming! 

+1

[Jonno]

1.20pm: Labor's Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten is welcoming the passage just now through the House of Representatives of the government's safe rates legislation.

Union boss Paul Howes is happy too.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/blogs/the-pulse/politics-live-march-19-2012-20120319-1vee5.html#ixzz1pXAL8hHh