Freight Industry Seeks Unified Approach

Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is calling for a national road-user charging framework, warning that varying state systems would increase costs and complexity for freight operators.

The industry body presented its case to the NSW Legislative Council’s Public Accountability and Works Committee, reviewing the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021. RFNSW argues that while fuel excise revenue declines, any future charging model should be practical and consistent nationwide.

Simon O’Hara, CEO of RFNSW, said, “Road freight does not stop at the border and neither should road funding reform.” The organisation supports sustainable road funding reform but opposes fragmented state models.

Concerns Over State-Based Models

According to RFNSW, freight operators transport essential goods such as food, fuel, construction materials, and retail freight across state lines daily. A state-by-state model is impractical, RFNSW insists. Heavy vehicles are currently excluded from the NSW Act, but RFNSW stresses the review’s importance for shaping future models.

“Heavy vehicles may be excluded from the current Act, but freight cannot be excluded from the road funding conversation,” O’Hara said. Future models should not be based on passenger vehicle charges, as heavy vehicles have different commercial and compliance needs.

RFNSW insists that revenue allocation should be transparent and support state infrastructure priorities. “NSW should be able to invest in NSW infrastructure, but the charging system itself needs to be nationally consistent,” O’Hara added.

A national conversation on road funding reform is necessary, RFNSW asserts, with NSW leading this discussion instead of pursuing a fragmented approach. They caution against extending charges to electric heavy vehicles without a national framework and supporting infrastructure.

“Freight operators are prepared to pay their fair share,” O’Hara noted, “but they will not support a system that simply adds another cost without delivering better infrastructure.”

RFNSW calls for a fair national system to fund better roads and support future low and zero-emission vehicles. The aim is to improve freight networks across Australia. They warn that any future extension of road-user charging to electric heavy vehicles must not occur before a national framework, supporting infrastructure, and clear industry safeguards are in place.

Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:49 am