The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is calling on the Federal Government to extend the suspension of the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge (RUC) until Christmas, warning that its planned return alongside the full fuel excise from July 1 will increase costs for transport operators and ultimately Australian consumers.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says the industry is still recovering from recent fuel price volatility and that reintroducing the charge now would place additional financial pressure on trucking businesses already operating on tight margins.
“When trucking costs rise, the price of everyday essentials rises with them,” Clark said.
According to NatRoad, road freight is responsible for moving the majority of Australia’s domestic freight, meaning any increase in diesel and operating costs is likely to flow through supply chains and affect the price of groceries, medicines, raw materials and other household goods.
The association believes transport operators cannot easily absorb another significant increase in costs and is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to continue the current RUC relief measures until the end of the year.
“This is not the time to increase costs on the businesses that keep Australia moving,” Clark said.
NatRoad says extending the suspension would provide greater certainty for transport businesses while helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for Australian families.
