The Andrews Labor Government will review laws regulating owner drivers and forestry contractors to ensure a stronger and fairer system which puts safety first.

Economic pressures on the industry through the supply chain have forced some drivers into unsafe practices.

This has been further exacerbated by the Turnbull Government’s decision to dump the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, leaving drivers without the protection they need.

The review will aim to update the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act to improve the conditions of drivers and forestry contractors and ensure they’re not being exploited.

The Victorian Inquiry into Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work recently heard evidence on a range of issues regarding rates of pay, certainty of working hours, and occupational health and safety for tip truck owner drivers.

The review will look at the inquiry’s recommendations, including a code of practice for the tip truck industry and the threshold requirements on hirers to provide applicable rates and costs to owner drivers.

It will examine contracting requirements and dispute resolution mechanisms available to owner drivers, and seek to address any avoidance of rights and responsibilities under the ODFC Act and Regulations.

Submissions to the review should be made by January 31. For more information about the Review and its Terms of Reference, visit www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/odfc-review

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“This isn’t only about the safety of workers, it is about putting the safety of all road users first.”

“The Andrews Labor Government was elected to put people first, and we’ve spent the last two years doing that by building a state that is fairer and stronger for all workers.”