Arrangements for cross-border freight permits need to be explained urgently

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne must provide advice to freight and logistics operators as soon as possible to ensure there are no delays in freight movements across the soon to be closed Victorian/NSW border.

The Minister needs to outline if there will be any cost to businesses, if there are any restrictions about what can be moved across the border and how couriers operating in cross-border communities will go about applying for a permit.

Freight and logistics businesses need to know now if there will be a lead time to gain permits so they can plan and ensure the border closure will have minimal impacts on freight movements between the nation’s two biggest states.

It is vital that the transportation of medicines, medical equipment and other critical supplies are not delayed by the border closure.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell:

“The freight routes between NSW and Victoria are the busiest in the nation and businesses need to know now what their obligations will be ahead of time.

“Any delays in obtaining permits have the potential to disrupt the already fragile supply chain.

“The Minister needs to provide advice well ahead of the planned border closure tomorrow night, to clear up any confusion and to ensure freight can continue to move freely and get to where it needs to be.”

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