This month, the government received resounding Senate support
for the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2012 ('the
Bill'). The Bill passed the Lower House on 19 March. A major
amendment was made to the Bill outlining that the new Road Safety
Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) established to hear disputes
and set wages will not commence operations until 1 January
2013.
The passage of the Bill met some opposition, where debate became
slightly heated in the Senate, however the Greens and Independent
Nick Xenophon gave the numbers for passage of the Bill. The
Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012 (Cth) will commence
operation on 1 July 2012. It will regulate the road transport
industry by setting remuneration and safety standards, with the
ultimate goal being safer roads for all road-users.
