NatRoad Opposes Carbon Tax on Trucks, Calls for Alternative Solutions

1 Oct Blog

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has raised concerns over recommendations in the NSW Freight Policy Reform: Interim Directions report, which suggests introducing vehicle charges based on carbon emissions. NatRoad argues this would essentially act as a carbon tax on Australian trucking, a move they believe would significantly impact small and medium trucking businesses already grappling with tight profit margins and rising costs.

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark has called on the NSW and federal governments to immediately reject any proposals resembling a carbon tax on trucks. He emphasised that such a tax would not only add financial strain to businesses but could also slow down the adoption of low-emission vehicles, especially for regional and long-distance operators where electric alternatives are not yet viable.

Instead, NatRoad advocates for more targeted approaches to reducing emissions, such as a $3 billion Clean Transport Fund and a Low Carbon Fuel Standard. These measures, Clark suggests, would allow the industry to move towards net-zero emissions in a way that supports both the environment and small businesses.