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Posted by David Sexton
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1 July, 2026
STRONG attendance at the Parliamentary Friends of Road Transport, Warehousing and Logistics event this week reflected growing understanding that freight transport and logistics are central to Australia’s economy, ALC chief executive Hermione Parsons says.
The event was held at Parliament House in Canberra.
Chaired by Senator Glenn Sterle, with Scott Buchholz as deputy chair, the Parliamentary Friends group brought together ALC members, senior industry leaders and more than 25 MPs, senators and parliamentary advisers.
Deputy PM Richard Marles addressed the event, recognising the national importance of road transport, warehousing and logistics to Australia’s economy, communities and national capability.
Dr Parsons said “freight transport and freight logistics are the core social and economic enabler for Australia”.
“They support every household, every business and every community. They connect farms to export markets, keep hospitals and supermarkets supplied, support construction and manufacturing, and provide the operating backbone for regional Australia,” she said.
“The Parliamentary Friends group gives industry a direct and practical forum to discuss the issues that shape supply chain performance, including productivity, infrastructure, workforce, fuel security, safety, regulation and the rising cost of doing business.
“We thank Senator Sterle and Scott Buchholz MP for their leadership of the group, and the deputy PM for addressing the event and acknowledging the sector’s national role.”
According to the ALC, the event was timely given the industry was facing sustained pressure from fuel volatility, workforce constraints, infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory complexity and increasing operating costs.
Dr Parsons said strong engagement between industry and parliament was essential to improving national freight outcomes.
“Reliable supply chains are built through deliberate policy choices, disciplined infrastructure planning and regulation that supports safe, efficient and productive operations,” she said.
“[This week’s] discussion reinforced the need for governments and industry to work closely on the practical issues that determine whether goods move reliably, affordably and safely across Australia.”
The Parliamentary Friends of Road Transport, Warehousing and Logistics seeks to provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians and industry to engage on the priorities shaping the safety, productivity and resilience of Australia’s supply chains.
