The Transport Workers’ Union of NSW today welcomed the introduction of a national model for counting driving hours, following a long fight by the union on behalf of their members who drive interstate. State and Territory Ministers throughout Australia yesterday voted in favour of ground breaking change in legislation, endorsing a uniform counting time model nationally.

“This is a victory for all heavy vehicle drivers who cross state borders in the course of their work, because it means driving hours will be calculated the same way for heavy vehicle drivers across all Australian states,” TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said.

“We have been lobbying for our members on this issue for years and they will be happy to see this reform passed.

“This will end years of frustration and confusion for truck drivers who in some cases have been wrongly charged with breaching fatigue laws when crossing state borders into states where driving hours are counted differently.

“I am greatly pleased that our industry has united and taken action to make this reform a reality. I particularly congratulate industry bodies who have done the hard yards throughout Australia lobbying on behalf of drivers to make this happen, in particular the Australian Livestock Transporters’ Association (ALTA).”

Yesterday ministers from each state and territory, through the Australian Transport Council (ATC), endorsed the national approach to counting time to be modelled on the system used in NSW and QLD.

The changes will come into effect once relevant state and territory governments pass the revised legislation.

“I commend the Ministers from each state and territory on making this step to take our industry forward, achieving a national uniform approach on the important issue of fatigue legislation, which is a key factor in making our roads safer for all who use them,” Mr Forno said.