Fair Work Commission order pushes fuel cost increase onto councils

The Australian Local Government Association is disappointed that the Fair Work Commission disregarded ALGA’s concerns when issuing its Road Transport Contractual Chain Order today.

ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said “Councils are going to face increased costs from a number of directions after today’s decision by the Commission – which comes into effect tomorrow”.

“Not only are we looking at the increased cost and administrative burden on councils, but it also shifts costs from businesses onto councils that can’t afford more financial pressures.

“The entire point of these changes is to ensure that small businesses aren’t heavily impacted by the current fuel supply crisis. And we support that. But not at the expense of council services. This order puts increased pressure on communities and ratepayers, who are already feeling the strain.

Mayor Burnett said the lack of consideration for councils reinforces the need for ALGA to have a seat at the national table when decisions are made that affect councils’ bottom lines. “Local government can’t afford decisions to be made without us.”

ALGA SUBMISSION | ORDER | FULL DECISION | FACT SHEET | CASE PORTAL