The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that it will deploy the Economic Resilience Program (ERP) to provide zero interest loans to fuel, fertiliser and other critical supply chains businesses to support Australia’s domestic industries and supply chains impacted by market disruptions. This and other programs are all sub-funds under the Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said the announcement was a clear sign the government had listened to the concerns being raised by industry and responded to the real pressures facing road freight transport businesses.
“This is exactly the kind of support QTA has been advocating for, and we welcome the fact that government has listened to what our members need and what the industry needs to stay afloat, and give them time to balance their cashflows” Mr Mahon said.
“Road freight transport operators are central to Australia’s ability to keep supply chains moving, shelves stocked and regional communities serviced.”
Mr Mahon said QTA had already highlighted the seriousness of the issue on 20 March 2026, when it warned that soaring diesel prices were placing unsustainable pressure on operators and threatening business viability.
“QTA said on 20 March that the soaring diesel price had reached a point where the cashflow burden on operators was becoming unsustainable, threatening the viability of their businesses,” he said.
“We also made it clear that without an immediate fuel relief package, the transport supply chain risked grinding to a halt, placing the affordability, availability and reliable delivery of essential goods at serious risk for Australians — especially in regional and remote communities that depend so heavily on road freight.”
Mr Mahon said the government’s support package was an important step in recognising the essential role of the road freight transport and agriculture industries in Australia’s economic resilience.
“When fuel prices spike, input costs rise and supply chains come under pressure, the road freight transport and agriculture industries feel it first and hardest,” he said.
“This package is welcome relief, and it recognises that a resilient road freight transport industry is essential to a resilient Australia.”
“Over the longer term, this must also be matched by investment in expanded refinery capability, greater fuel storage and the policies needed to buttress Australia’s sovereign capability, because supply chain resilience depends on fuel security.”
Mr Mahon said further reform would still be needed to reduce cost pressures and strengthen the operating environment for transport businesses over the longer term.
“If the government is serious about growth, productivity and supply chain resilience, road freight transport industry must remain part of the solution,” he said.
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