The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is urging the Federal Government to introduce temporary relief measures for heavy vehicle operators, warning that rising costs across the industry will soon flow through to consumers.
At the centre of the proposal is a call to reduce the Road User Charge by 32.4 cents per litre, with the change to be reviewed monthly while fuel prices remain volatile. NatRoad argues the measure could be implemented quickly through a Ministerial decision and would provide immediate financial relief to operators.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said the industry was approaching a tipping point, with transport businesses facing sustained pressure from multiple directions.
“Truck operators are being hit from every direction – rising fuel costs, tolls, superannuation, regulatory pressures and a tax structure that simply isn’t keeping pace with reality,” Clark said.
With fuel representing one of the largest operating expenses for heavy vehicle fleets, NatRoad warns that continued increases are unsustainable, particularly for small operators working on tight margins. The organisation says without intervention, higher transport costs will inevitably be passed on through supply chains.
“Truck drivers deliver the groceries, the medical supplies and the goods Australians rely on every single day. When their costs rise, everyone pays,” Clark said.
The association has flagged April as a potential tipping point for consumer impacts, suggesting households could begin to see price increases at the checkout if cost pressures are not addressed.
Alongside fuel tax relief, NatRoad is also calling for changes to Business Activity Statement (BAS) reporting requirements. Specifically, the organisation is advocating for small businesses to be allowed to lodge BAS fortnightly, rather than monthly or quarterly, to improve cash flow.
“For many small transport operators, cash flow is the difference between staying on the road and parking the truck,” Clark said. “Allowing fortnightly BAS reporting would give small businesses faster access to the funds they’re owed and help them manage rising operational costs.”
NatRoad maintains that both measures are practical and could be introduced quickly, providing short-term stability while broader economic conditions remain uncertain.
The call comes amid ongoing volatility in global fuel markets and increasing operational costs across the transport sector. Industry groups continue to highlight the central role of road freight in Australia’s supply chain, with any disruption or cost escalation likely to have widespread economic implications.
“Government must recognise the critical role road transport plays in Australia’s supply chain,” Clark said. “If trucking becomes unsustainable, Australians will see the consequences every time they visit the supermarket.”
NatRoad is urging the Federal Government to act swiftly, positioning the proposed changes as a way to support transport businesses while helping to shield consumers from further price increases.
