The Federal Government’s decision to make Queensland the host state for a national heavy vehicle regulator will help steer transport regulation in the right direction, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said on Friday.

Under long-awaited transport reforms, the Government has proposed national regulations to streamline safety and improve productivity in the heavy trucking industry, which is critical for allowing transport operators to get products on to supermarkets shelves.

The new national heavy vehicle regulator would manage all transport and safety regulations which would enable consistency throughout Australia and eliminate red-tape between states and territories.

AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said having a more streamlined and cost-effective supply chain was essential for Australian manufactured products to maintain their competitiveness.

“Industry applauds the Government’s decision to implement a nationally consistent system which industry has been demanding for several years – it will finally steer regulation in the right direction,” Ms Carnell said.

“This is a major leap forward for Australia’s grocery manufacturing sector as it will help boost productivity and reduce costs across the supply chain.”

Ms Carnell said the proposed reforms – which the Government believes will be implemented by 2013 – were logical as Australia’s food and grocery sector operated in a national economy.

“Having more efficient supply chain and transport networks are fundamental for getting products from farm to factory and eventually to market, whether in Australia or overseas,” Ms Carnell said.

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