The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the re-elected Albanese Government, emphasising the need for stronger freight policy to strengthen the nation’s supply chains.
In a media statement released on 6 May, ALC CEO and Managing Director Dr Hermione Parsons congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their return to government, while highlighting the freight sector’s essential role in supporting the economy and everyday living standards.
“Our industry moves over 800 billion tonne-kilometres of freight annually and supports more than 1.2 million jobs,” Dr Parsons said. “With supply chains facing increasing pressure from global disruptions, domestic infrastructure constraints, and persistent workforce shortages, it is essential that freight policy remains front and centre in the Government’s economic and productivity agenda.”
The ALC welcomed the government’s continued focus on infrastructure investment, decarbonisation and skills development. However, it called for stronger national coordination to address regulatory fragmentation and unlock productivity gains across the freight network.
“Our industry faces growing expectations to deliver faster, cleaner, and more transparent freight services,” Dr Parsons said. “Meeting these expectations requires coordinated long-term planning, regulatory reform, and accelerated investment in smart infrastructure and low-emission transport technologies.”
The ALC outlined several priorities for the new term, including resolving rail freight and intermodal bottlenecks, enabling zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, embedding freight needs into planning systems, harmonising regulation, and modernising workforce policies.
Dr Parsons also urged the Commonwealth to prioritise implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, ensuring visibility and accountability in areas like urban freight planning, corridor protection, and data use.
“Freight operators are on the frontline every day—supporting communities, enabling trade, and contributing to national resilience,” she said. “We look forward to working with the Albanese Government to ensure policy, regulation and investment settings enable this transition.”