Emergency Fair Work Commission hearing to address skyrocketing fuel costs threatening Australian trucking businesses

Owner-drivers, small trucking businesses and transport employees are preparing to tell the Fair Work Commission tomorrow that they are just “weeks away” from collapse unless fuel costs are urgently addressed.

The hearing, set to begin on Wednesday at 10am at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, follows the Federal Government’s passage of the Fairer Fuel bill, which fast-tracks emergency applications in the road transport sector.

Representatives from the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO), the National Road Freighters Association, and affected drivers will speak about the “unprecedented” financial strain caused by soaring fuel prices.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said owner-drivers, small business owners, and gig workers will tell the Fair Work Commission that “they’re weeks away from going out of business”.

“Drivers who’ve been in this industry for decades have never seen it this hard. It is critical that we see fuel costs paid for by the top of the supply chain; the retailers, manufacturers and mining giants that are already increasing costs for customers, while truck drivers and businesses are struggling to hold on,” Mr Kaine said.

The emergency application calls on major transport clients, including retailers, manufacturers and mining companies, to conduct weekly fuel reviews linked to Australian Institute of Petroleum prices and ensure costs are passed down the supply chain.

The group warned that, by April 21, fuel bills for many operators could soar tens of thousands of dollars above normal.

ARTIO National Secretary Peter Anderson said both small and large transport businesses are “weeks away from shutting up shop, if they haven’t already”.

“We urgently need to see clients putting in place weekly fuel reviews to keep national supply chains running sustainably, and businesses in operation,” Mr Anderson said.

The group highlighted that 45 people have already died in truck crashes this year, including 14 drivers, and that transport company liquidations have risen 48 per cent from last year.

The emergency hearing tomorrow is expected to reveal the human and economic cost of the fuel crisis, with drivers and businesses seeking immediate intervention to avoid widespread closures.