Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to support the Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026. I do so proudly as part of a Labor government that believes in one simple idea: if you work hard, you deserve a fair go. That belief has guided this government from day 1. It's why we've lifted wages, strengthened workplace protections and stood up for the people who too often get squeezed at the bottom of the system. That's why we're acting again today—because Australian truck drivers deserve nothing less.

It's interesting. The former speaker condemns the government for not pre-empting wars, not taking action, not rushing. His view would be that you should just rush in and make decisions, which was the hallmark of their 10 years when they were last in government. Well, we aren't like that. We actually consult and we take considered decisions.

Truckies keep this country moving, and not once did I hear them, in any of their contributions, giving any credence or support to the trucking industry in this country. They deliver the food on our tables, the fuel that powers our communities and the goods that keep regional and remote Australia connected. When disasters strike, when shelves need restocking, when communities need supplies, truck drivers are there. But right now they're under immense pressure. We've listened to them and we've taken the action. Global fuel prices have surged as a result of the war in the Middle East, not because of the Albanese government and not because the Labor government hasn't taken actions. It's happened because of the war in the Middle East, which we cannot, as much as we would like to, end right this minute. We can't do it.

These prices have been a shock. They've been unpredictable and completely beyond the control of Australian workers and small businesses. Once again, those at the bottom of the supply chain have been asked to carry the heaviest burden, and Labor does not accept that. We do not accept a system where costs are pushed downhill while the biggest players protect their margins while truck drivers are left wondering if they can keep the lights on. That is not fair, and it's not the Australia that we believe in.

Unlike those opposite, we don't just talk the talk, playing politics at every opportunity when Australians are feeling the impacts of the consequences of the war in the Middle East. We're not about playing politics. That's what those people on the other side do each and every time. The Prime Minister is consulting to ensure that we take the actions needed to support our communities. We fully understand the impact of the increase on the fuel prices on the trucking industry and all motorists. I just want to mention that the Tasmanian government have made public transport available in Tasmania, which is a good thing. But what they've done is overlook the impact on the taxi industry. Fuel costs for taxis, particularly the maxi taxis that transport people with disabilities, have gone up exponentially, and there's been no assistance. I'm calling on the state government in Tasmania to take immediate action to support the taxi industry.

This government has already taken strong action to fix the broken systems in broad transport. We recognise that supply chains don't operate at just one level; decisions made at the top have real consequences for workers at the bottom. That's why we empowered the independent Fair Work Commission to set enforceable standards across contractual chains, so responsibility is shared more fairly. But fairness also means being responsive. Right now the laws move too slowly. While fuel prices spiked today, the system tells truckies to wait months before help can even be considered. That's not good enough when livelihoods, local communities and our economy are on the line.

This bill is about fixing that. It ensures the system can respond when Australians need it. That's why there's a National Cabinet meeting taking place today with the Prime Minister, state premiers and territory leaders. We consult and we want to work together. This is a crisis that is impacting the entire nation. Let's be clear: this is not a blank cheque. This legislation is not overreach. This is a targeted, responsible measure designed for exceptional circumstances exactly like the situation we are facing now. What it does is send a clear message: Labor has the backs of working Australians. When truck drivers go under, communities suffer.

I repeat that: when truck drivers go under, then communities suffer. Regional towns lose their services, supply chains fracture, prices rise further and the economy becomes more fragile. We cannot build a strong economy by ignoring the people who keep it running. We didn't do that during COVID. We did actually value people like truck drivers and people in retail. As soon as COVID was over and people were back to normal, we forgot about those people. Well, this government has not. That's why this bill matters beyond in chamber. It matters to families wondering if their local transport operator will survive—families wondering whether they will be able to keep their truck on the road. It matters to regional communities that rely on road freight, and it matters to an economy that needs stability, resilience and fairness to grow.

This reform has been called for by industry and workers alike. It reflects common sense, fairness and Labor's values, and that's why we're taking this action. At a time when global uncertainty is hitting local industries, Australians expect their government to act now, not to sit on their hands or hide behind processes but to step up, and that's what this government is doing. I want to congratulate Minister Rishworth, because I think she, in her portfolio responsibility, has shown the leadership that Australians know they will get from this Labor government. This is exactly what this Labor government is doing, and it's what we've been doing since day one. We are standing with Australian workers. We're standing with and supporting our communities. And we're standing up for an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, because that's what a Labor government does. Without our truck drivers and taxi drivers, the impact will be far greater. I commend this legislation, as I said. I congratulate the Prime Minister and the minister for taking the step of introducing this bill. I'd like to think everyone in this chamber will support this. We know they normally vote against everything that we put up about the cost of living, giving energy relief and reducing the cost of medications. We know they didn't support a pay rise for aged-care workers or people in early childhood education. They're the party of 'no, no, no'. Well, on this occasion, you need to support truck drivers. You need to support regional Australia. You need to support Australia.