ALRTA Fortnightly News: 7 February 2025

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Executive Director Update

Welcome to another ALRTA newsletter,

As we commence 2025, it's essential to stay informed about federal legislative developments that may impact our industry. The first parliamentary sitting week of the year, held from 4 to 6 February, brought forth several noteworthy outcomes relevant to ALRTA members.

Beef Industry Outlook

The latest survey results indicate a surge in confidence among Australian beef producers. Producers are optimistic about herd growth, with expectations of a 6% increase in 2025. Plans to retain more heifers and purchase additional steers reflect this positive sentiment. This anticipated growth underlines the resilience and forward-looking approach of our beef industry.

Wool Industry Challenges

Conversely, the wool industry is confronting significant challenges. Wool production has declined to its lowest levels in a century, attributed to rising costs and decreased prices. The ban on live sheep exports is cited as a contributing factor, particularly in Western Australia, where the sheep flock has diminished notably. Industry leaders are advocating for policy reconsiderations and strategic investments to revitalise this sector.

Trade Diversification and Market Access

In a positive development for our agricultural sector, the government's trade diversification strategy has successfully expanded global market access. Recent free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and India, along with a newly signed agreement with the United Arab Emirates, are set to enhance export opportunities for Australian red meat, grain, seafood, and horticulture industries. These agreements aim to bolster our export markets and support the growth of Australian agriculture.

Small Business and Taxation Developments

The parliamentary sitting week also addressed issues relevant to small businesses and taxation:

Coalition's Tax Deduction Proposal: The Opposition proposed a policy allowing small businesses with turnovers up to $10 million to claim tax deductions for business-related meal and entertainment expenses, capped at $20,000 annually. This measure, intended to support the hospitality sector, excludes expenditures on alcohol and certain entertainment venues. While some industry groups have welcomed the proposal, the government has raised concerns about its potential cost and the risk of misuse.

National Small Business Strategy: The government released the National Small Business Strategy, outlining a framework for supporting small businesses through enhanced decision-making processes and policy development. However, the strategy has faced criticism for lacking substantive new initiatives and relying on generic content. Industry representatives are calling for more concrete measures to address challenges such as rising insolvency rates.

Superannuation Tax Policy: A proposed policy to impose an additional 15% tax on individuals with superannuation assets exceeding $3 million has been met with opposition from professional bodies. Critics argue that the policy could adversely affect certain groups and are advocating for comprehensive tax reforms instead.

Road Funding and Infrastructure Investments

Significant announcements were made regarding road funding and infrastructure, which are crucial to our sector:

Bruce Highway Upgrades: The government has committed an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and fix the Bruce Highway in Queensland, aiming to bring it up to a minimum three-star safety rating. This investment is the largest ever for the Bruce Highway, bringing the total federal funding to over $17 billion. The upgrades will enhance safety and efficiency for freight transport along this critical corridor.

Local Government Road Funding Boost: The Federal Government announced a doubling of funding available in the Roads to Recovery program for councils, increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year through phased increases. Additionally, there is a $40 million per year increase in the Black Spot Program and the introduction of a new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. These initiatives aim to improve road safety and infrastructure in regional areas.

Skills Development in the Construction Sector

Addressing the skills shortage in the construction industry, the government has announced a $10,000 cash incentive for construction apprentices. This initiative aims to bolster the workforce needed for infrastructure projects, including those critical to rural transport. The investment is part of a broader strategy to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years, addressing housing affordability and supporting economic growth.

Political Landscape and Leadership Polls

Recent opinion polls indicate a tightening political landscape as the federal election approaches:

Preferred Government: A Newspoll conducted in late January 2025 revealed that the Liberal-National Coalition has taken a lead over the Labor government, standing at 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis. This shift suggests increasing voter shift towards the opposition.

Preferred Prime Minister: For the first time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are tied in polls as Australia's preferred prime minister, each holding 44% support. This parity reflects a significant gain for Dutton and indicates a highly competitive political environment.

These developments demonstrate the dynamic nature of the current political climate, with potential implications for policy directions affecting our industry.

Anticipated Timing of the Federal Election

The timing of the upcoming federal election has been a subject of considerable discussion. Constitutionally, the election must be held on or before 17 May 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has consistently dismissed the possibility of an early election, emphasising the government's commitment to serving its full term and focusing on policy implementation. He has stated that the election will occur in 2025 as scheduled, with a new budget planned for March 2025.

Despite this, political analysts have speculated on potential election dates. Some suggest the election could be held as early as 12 April 2025. Watch this space!

LRTAQ Conference

Next week I’ll be travelling to the Gold Coast for the LRTAQ conference, I look forward to catching up with members face to face and contributing to the speaker program. A big congratulations to the finalists of the LRTAQ Young Person in Transport Award.

National Rural Carriers Convention

LBRCA and ALRTA have been busy planning the national conference and are finalising speaker program. It is set to be an exciting event, with some surprise special guests. If you haven’t already done so, please register to attend via this link:

Driver and Animal Welfare Committee

ALRTA Driver and Animal Welfare Committee met this week to discuss the National Truck Wash Consultation Draft and the Animal Welfare Accreditation Scheme under development. It was a productive meeting and informative, hearing the outcomes of the Advisory Committee meeting that was held earlier in the week.

Livestock Loading Ramps and use of prodders continue to be an issue and the committee is looking at solutions to support industry and improve safety outcomes for drivers whilst maintaining commitment to animal welfare.

Next week is set to be a busy week, and potentially the last sitting week before an election. Should any exciting developments occur I’ll be sure to inform members via email.

Until the next newsletter.

Rach

LRTAQ Young Person in Transport Award 

Championing Women in Transport  

We had a great night at the Transport Women Australia event at Divalls Bulk Earthmoving in Goulburn. Good company, interesting speakers, and plenty of industry talk made for a good event.

Transport Women Australia recognised Divalls for their efforts in bringing more women into the industry and creating real opportunities. It’s great to see a business leading by example and backing a more diverse workforce.

Big thanks to Divalls and Transport Women Australia for a great event.

L-R: Bec Coleman (LBRCA), Mathew Munro (ATA), Rachel Smith (ALRTA)

Save the dates for 2025

• LRTAQ State Conference. 13-14 February 2025, Gold Coast Turf Club & Event Centre, QLD - MORE INFO HERE 
• LBRCA/ALRTA National Combined Conference. 4 – 5 April 2025, Thoroughbred Park, CANBERRA ACT -  REGISTER HERE 
• LRTASA State Conference. 13-14 June 2025, Adelaide SA 
• LRTAV State Conference. 8-9 August 2025, Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC - MORE INFO HERE  
• LRTAWA State Conference.  INFORMATION COMING SOON 

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