CLOSED rest stops making life difficult for truck drivers during the coronavirus chaos have been ordered to reopen their doors.
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Many roadside eateries and dedicated truck rest stops had denied truck drivers use of toilet and shower services at the same time they were forced to ramp up their efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said heavy vehicle drivers need these services to carry out their critical role in the country's response to the current crisis.
"We have heard their concerns loud and clear and this is a common sense solution which ensures heavy vehicle drivers have access to essential amenities, can take regular breaks and eat properly whilst delivering their vital cargo," he said.
Truck curfews have been lifted to allow round-the-clock supermarket deliveries after panic bulk-buying left shelves empty of essential products.
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"Our truck drivers are transporting everything from supermarket supplies and fuel to vital medical equipment and medicine to where it is needed across Australia," Mr McCormack said.
Australian Trucking Association chairman Geoff Crouch supported the "rapid response" to the industry's calls after many drivers had been turned away from multiple roadhouse facilities.
Mr Crouch said truck drivers were working hard to deliver the food, medicine and essential goods that communities need in order to get through this epidemic. But he said they need toilets and shower facilities on the road to do their job safely and efficiently
"Truck drivers are essential and deserve better," he said. "They need to be able to take a break on the road; they can't just wander out of their home office and grab something from the fridge."
Moving forward, he said the association will encourage truck stops to use the exemption to assist those drivers who keep the country moving during this crisis.
The exemptions made by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and the National Cabinet on Monday night will be strictly limited to heavy vehicle drivers. It will only apply to facilities where appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures could be enforced.
Assistant Road Safety and Freight Transport Minister Scott Buchholz said the safety of truck drivers at this difficult time was a key consideration for the federal government.
"I come from a freight industry background and I know first-hand how important these facilities are," he said.
"We want to make sure our truckies are safe, in terms of fatigue management and their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and this exemption gets that balance right."
- Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 0222 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
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