Following the recent resignation of Jo Haylen, the New South Wales government has announced its new transport and roads ministers.
Jenny Aitchison has been appointed the new minister for roads, while John Graham has moved to the role of minister for transport. John was the previous minister for roads, and takes on the transport portfolio after acting as the interim transport minister for the past six weeks.
“On behalf on RFNSW and our members, we congratulate the Minister on her elevation to the critical NSW Roads portfolio,” says Road Freight NSW CEO Simon O’Hara.
“From our perspective, this an excellent, common-sense appointment by the Premier, allowing the Minister to transition from her previous role as the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport into her new portfolio.
“We are encouraged that the Minister has a successful history working in the tourism industry, where she was the Managing Director of an award-winning company which undertook coach tours across Australia.
“She clearly understands how the heavy vehicle industry operates and the challenges drivers and business owners face on a daily basis – she brings a great deal of knowledge and ‘hands on’ experience to the role.”
Simon says that Jenny has been a strong supporter of the road freight industry for many years.
“We’re proud that Minister Aitchison has been a solid supporter of RFNSW over the years, during her time in Opposition and in her role as Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, speaking at our annual conferences, engaging with our members and listening to their feedback on how we can collaborate to make the industry stronger and safer,” he says.
“We’re excited to be working with the new Minister on our key RFNSW priorities including toll reforms; road safety; maintaining and upgrading NSW infrastructure and roads; driving greater diversity and female leadership in the traditional male-dominated freight industry and delivering the first dedicated heavy vehicle truck stop in Western Sydney, which followed our strong advocacy campaign.
“We look forward to continuing RFNSW’s excellent working relationship with Transport Minister John Graham and we thank him for his support of heavy vehicle drivers and operators.”
.JPG)
