The Liberal Nationals are calling on the State Government to waive registration payments for commercial vehicles grounded because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Trucks, especially those used to cart bulk commodities and some school busses are sitting idle earning no income – but their registration fees still need to be paid.
Registration for a prime mover for three months is $3,157.80 and $428.30 for each trailer.
With no income, these registration fees will be difficult for businesses to pay, especially if they have multiple trucks and trailers.
If registration isn’t paid, it lapses, meaning when there is work again, the owners would need to re-register and roadworthy their vehicles, which takes time and money.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Roads (Metropolitan), Brad Battin:
“When the current crisis is over, and industry is returning to normal, we need freight and transport operators ready to assist in the recovery of Victoria.
“The State Government should waive these payments to ease the burden on small business.”
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell:
“In rural and regional areas, transport contractors are feeling the pinch as work dries up, but the bills keep rolling in.
“This is a common sense approach to make sure these businesses survive, and when work picks up again, they are ready to get on the road.”
