The trucking industry’s fortunes swing on the future of National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), according to a key industry figure.

NatRoad president Geoff Crouch says the systems need to work quickly and efficiently to serve the logistics industry, but that will not happen without proper input.

He says the two issues must be done right.

“It’s been a tough industry for the last few years and it will continue to be so but we believe there’s a number of things that are on the agenda that perhaps may lead to a new beginning; things such as what’s going to happen with the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal – will there be a new beginning as far as [the] entity is concerned?” Crouch told trucking industry media outlets.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming NatRoad Conference 2014, Crouch said it is a crucial time.

“There’s a modern reward review process going through at the moment which potentially could also lead to a new beginning as far as industry is concerned and of course the continuing process with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

“It had its beginnings 12 months ago but with its second time around we certainly hope it’s going to be much more successful than it was the last time around.

“If we can get those things right which are the major issues that affect the day to day operations of every single member of the Australian road transport industry – it’s absolutely critical that we get it right and if we do get it right I think the industry can be optimistic as far as the future is concerned.”

He says registrations for the conference in August show that even though economic times are tough, Australian operators want to take hold of their industry.

“We are above what we were this time last year as far as registrations are concerned so we have very good interest and we are expecting it to be the biggest one we have ever had.

“The format that we have followed last year came up with a large number of policy and agenda items that the delegates wanted NatRoad to follow through on their behalf which has been done.

“We have reported back some reasonably good success and I think the members recognise that and they’re keen to have their voice [heard] again this year to set the agenda for the next twelve months,” Crouch said.