THE representative body for regional truck drivers is calling on the state and federal governments to introduce truck-friendly COVID-19 testing.
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Tamworth-based Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBCRA) secretary Wade Lewis said drive-thru testing should be made available to ensure truckies are doing their bit to slow the spread of coronavirus.
"If you look at all of the drive-thru testing clinics across the country, none of them are really set up to test trucks and truck drivers," Mr Lewis told the Leader.
"It makes it incredibly difficult for drivers to be tested and given different states require mandatory testing for those crossing the border, drive-thru testing is more important than ever.
"We're calling on the state and federal governments to consider the needs of truck drivers across the country because without trucks Australia stops."
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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he would be in favour of any measures that would support the transport and agricultural industries.
"I would certainly hope that the agricultural sector, being part of an essential service, would be given the utmost importance," he said.
"Given they are providing food, clothing and things like that, they should be treated with the utmost importance."
Mr Lewis said his association was committed to doing its part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
"At the end of the day, no drivers want to get sick and companies don't want anyone to get sick so testing is really important," he said.
"However, time is money and getting tested can be a really time-consuming exercise.
"That's why we would really like to see the idea of drive-thru testing sites for trucks be considered by the governments."
Mr Lewis' calls come after the Queensland Government shut its borders to NSW on Saturday and the Victorian border was shut last month.
"This is exactly why we are pushing for the powers that be to introduce a uniform policy so truckies know exactly where they stand," he said.