JOHN BERGER
TWU VIC/TAS BRANCH SECRETARY
TRUCKIES HOPEFUL FOR CHANGES TO NSW BORDER PERMITS, TWU WAITS FOR CLARITY
Yesterday the Transport Workers’ Union Victoria & Tasmania Branch demanded answers from the NSW Government as truck drivers who were crossing the New South Wales and Victoria border were issued with 14-day isolation notices.
Despite holding permits and falling into the category of “critical services”, drivers were being issued with notices stating “you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in NSW”.
After seeking clarity from the NSW Government, TWU Victoria & Tasmania Branch Secretary John Berger received correspondence from the Government this morning. The correspondence received stated that the NSW Governments plan to update the criteria and permit for freight and general transport truck drivers.
The TWU Victoria & Tasmania Branch has sought assurance that these changes to the permits will be instrumented by close of business today.
“We will be keeping a close eye on the situation at the Victorian and New South Wales border to ensure a clear passage of freight between the two states,” John Berger says.
“We know that transport workers are essential workers and often what they are carrying are essential goods. All levels of Government must ensure truck drivers can continue to do their jobs without any bureaucratic red tape,” he added.
ENDS
Attachments:
A – border permit issued to a Victoria truck driver yesterday.
B – correspondence from the NSW Government regarding changes to the permits.
Media contact:
Nellie Metcalfe
0475 055 414