THE representative body for rural truck drivers is calling for the state and federal governments to employ a "uniformed policy" for allowing trucks across state borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Calls from the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) come after the Queensland Government announced it would shut its borders to NSW from Saturday and the NSW-Victoria border closed last month.
LBCRA secretary and Tamworth local Wade Lewis said the border restrictions had left drivers and companies unsure if they could enter certain states.
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"There is certainly a lot of concern getting around about the inconsistencies of border crossings," Mr Lewis told the Leader.
"The unknown of getting across the borders is causing a lot of problems managing freight tasks because companies don't know if the person they send interstate will be able to make it back.
"Every state is different, which is where I think the root of the problem lies.
"That's why we are calling on the governments to create a uniformed policy, so that everyone knows what is expected of them, regardless of which state they are going into."
Mr Lewis said restrictions surrounding the meat production industry had heightened the demand for interstate trucks to meet supply.
"The processors are ramping up in the other states to compensate for the slowing down in Victoria, which is only adding to the uncertainties and unknowns for companies," he said.
"Even though they are shutting down the plants in Victoria, those animals still need to be processed, so there is plenty of demand, which is why we need a resolution quickly.
"A lot of companies are a bit uncertain about sending people interstate to help fill that void because their not sure that if the send them across the border they will be able to come back."
As well as companies, Mr Lewis said individual truck drivers were also concerned about the ramifications of leaving the state.
"There are a lot of drivers who are unsure if they should take the work if it means being away from the families due to being in quarantine," he said.
"It's a hard call for them to make because in some cases they have decide between taking the work to put food on the table for their families and risk not being able to make it back across the border, or knock back the work and miss out on a pay cheque.
"This is exactly why we are pushing for the powers that be to introduce a uniform policy so truckies and companies across the country know exactly where they stand."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
