“The news that Ron Crouch Transport has been placed into voluntary administration is terrible for Wagga Wagga, the Riverina and the Australian transport industry.
“When a long-standing and highly respected company such as Ron Crouch Transport makes such an announcement, you know things are parlous.
“I have given speeches on the floor of Federal Parliament and written pieces in national newspapers warning of how bad things are in the road freight sector.
“Things have to change. Without trucks, Australia stops.
“They are the lifeblood of regional Australia.
“Despite this, the trucking industry is being constrained by the conditions set by this Labor Government including the road infrastructure cutbacks, fuel prices and the truckies’ tax.
“The Federal Government has placed unnecessary burdens on the trucking industry, making it harder for the sustainability and success of this vital industry.
“When you have family-owned and operated companies that have been operating for generations going to the wall, something has to change.
“Companies such as Ron Crouch Transport, Rodney’s Transport Service, and Ron Finemore Transport want to expand their business, but they’re met with obstacles imposed by the Labor Government.
“I have reached out to the Crouch family, whom I have known for many years, to offer support.
“They are active participants, not only in industry and business but also in local community life.
“This will be incredibly upsetting for them and their staff, particularly so close to Christmas.
“As Geoff Crouch has said, sham contracting issues need to be addressed and something must be done in respect of all the regulations companies are subjected to just to service the nation. Too many trucking operators have too many B-doubles backed up to the fence in their yards because of the bureaucracy, overheads or the fact they simply cannot find drivers.
“I implore the government to take action now. This situation is a direct result of the conditions this government has imposed on the trucking industry. Ron Crouch is not the first, and he won’t be the last, unless action is taken without delay.”
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Read my opinion piece here: Australia will grind to a halt if we lose trucks – Michael McCormack MP
Read my recent speech in Parliament here: Hansard – House of Representatives 29/07/2025 Parliament of Australia
Read a transcript of my interview with Simon Smith, Australian Truck Radio here: TRANSCRIPT: AUSTRALIAN TRUCK RADIO WITH SIMON SMITH, 19 JANUARY 2024 – Michael McCormack MP