TWU

The Australian Government recently created history for all truck drivers and road users in Australia – the Safe Rates initiative has finally become legislation. The resounding vote in support of the Road Safety Remuneration Bill in the Senate and the House of Representatives houses means that all Australians can look forward to safer roads and truck drivers can look forward to decent pay and conditions. Click here to access the debates in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

This legislation is the result  of a campaign over more than 20 years with the TWU campaigning side by side with drivers across the industry, transport companies, committed politicians, families of people who were killed or injured in truck accidents and communities across Australia for safe rates and safe roads. Click here to view TWU's press release on March 21st. 

The legislation will oversee the establishment of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal on July 1st, 2012, with the power to set minimum rates of pay and conditions for truck drivers, and oversee contracts between transport companies, truck drivers and other parties. Click here to find out more about the Bill.

This legislation could not have been achieved without the support of people committed to safe roads and fair conditions for truckies, and without the dedication of the Gillard Government. After the successful passage of the legislation, the TWU hosted an event to thank the Prime Minister, MPs and Senators who voted in support of this legislation outside Parliament House. Click here to view more photos from the day.

Despite our historic success, until such time as major retailers like Coles no longer pressure drivers into making dangerous decisions, we have not succeeded for road users, truck drivers or their families. 

Over the coming weeks and months we will be conducting a survey of TWU members and other drivers in the industry, to chart the way ahead on safe rates and condition on our roads and holding clients to account. Keep an eye on this page on the updates of the survey.

Click here to view media coverages regarding this legislation. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.