The Transport Workers Union of Australia has today welcomed the Federal Government’s stimulus package saying it will provide transport workers and owner drivers with a safer work environment.

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TWU National Secretary, Tony Sheldon said; “the spending of almost $400 million on Australian roads as well as the small business tax breaks will be welcomed throughout the industry.

“The government is spending $90 million on black spots as well as $150 million on repairs to regional roads and $150 million on gates at level rail crossings. This will help improve the situation on the roads immediately.

“In addition, the providing of small businesses with a 30 per cent tax deduction for eligible assets, like their vehicles, should help owner drivers with the opportunity to improve their vehicle’s safety performance in the short term,” he said.

Mr Sheldon said the Government also needed to consider an urgent solution to road transport safety. In November, a Federal Government Inquiry conducted by The Hon. Lance Wright QC and Professor Michael Quinlan called for a national scheme establishing safe rates covering both employee and owner-drivers, including the establishment of client accountability.

“The recommendations of the Wright/Quinlan Review need to be implemented immediately as this affects everyone who uses the roads,” Mr Sheldon said.

“This would mean that drivers across Australia would not have to face the shocking and often deadly choice of having to do "just one more load" to make a living for themselves and their families,” he said.

Media contact: Seth Tenkate 0408 463 199