The grocery industry and supermarkets have long imposed suppliers with unconscionable conditions of trade and supply while hiding behind a veil of respectability. The impenetrable secrecy of the fuel industry cartels has enabled them to treat their customers and wider economy with complete disdain, and consistently display an extended index finger to the ACCC and any other form of government inquiry. 

The road transport industry also operates as an oligopoly, with several large players controlling a major share of the market and retaining huge margins by dictating to their sub-contractor service providers, the rate at which they will be remunerated without any input from them as to what that rate should be.

In the same way as supermarkets deal with their farmer suppliers, road transport subcontractors are consigned to be "price takers" rather than "price makers". 

As the price of fuel increases, the major freight forwarders impose fuel levies on their customers for the services they provide then often fail to pass those levies on to the sub-contractor, who is actually the main player in the service provision. In some instances, negative fuel levies are actually imposed on those sub-contractors making viability untenable. 

The unfortunate but always denied reality is that the more margins are cut in the road transport industry, the more corners are cut to compensate. 

Perhaps those who lay claim to being the movers and shakers of the road transport industry should note the comments of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Sal Pettroccitto to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee last year "as economic pressures become greater,and the ability of an operator to make ends meet diminishes,something has to give". 

This industry needs to take ownership of its issues and problems,before the bureaucracy and judiciary does. 

The furore from the bleeding heart brigade (as usual) was typical they being so phased out by the French President’s ‘English’ – It was ‘delicious’.

They claim he has offended Lucy Turnbull calling her ‘delicious’.

NOT SO.

The word delicious – the adjective (in the French language) can also mean charming or delightful.

For Lucy Turnbull it was a lovely compliment (typical French courtesy).

Their men are noted for such niceties towards women. They outclass others for being aware that women like to be acknowledged in this special way.

Believe me, I know, being of French descent, and having a dad who was a real gentleman in every sense of the word.

He did France proud whenever he travelled world-wide in his career.

Let’s not knock their President, a was a breath of fresh air, graceful in presentation, non pretentious and a nice diversion from the usual guests we are accustomed to on our shores.

‘Viva La France’.