Truckies rally and call for transport reform
Australian Associated Press
Convoys of trucks have revved through streets across the nation as drivers called for the Senate to pass reforms they say will save lives.
Truckies, other transport workers, politicians and unionists took part in rallies in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin on Saturday morning.
A large truck was parked outside Parliament House in Canberra as speakers highlighted the deaths of truck drivers and others involved in truck crashes this year.
They also raised concerns about a jump in transport business insolvencies while calling on parliament to pass the reforms in full.
Transport Workers Union NSW and Queensland Secretary Richard Olsen said the legislation would provide a chance to ensure drivers and supply chains are safe.
"They need to introduce the transport reform bill into the houses now," Mr Olsen told the crowd.
"Get them passed, get it legislated so that we can start working on saving lives on our roads."
The proposed laws would close a loophole allowing companies to negotiate a rate of pay with workers then bring in labour hire and pay them less.
Business groups and the opposition argue it will add undue costs to businesses and make operations less flexible.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart and Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines attended the Melbourne protest.
The rallies were purposely held over the Black Friday sales weekend because it is very busy for transport workers and businesses.
Caption Text:
Trucks near Parliament House as transport workers urge the Senate to pass reforms to save lives.
