Minister Alan Tudge

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has thanked the outgoing Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, for his close cooperation with the freight logistics industry during his time in the portfolio, and called on his successor to maintain the momentum on key policy reforms.

"ALC congratulates incoming Minster for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Hon. Alan Tudge MP," says ALC interim Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Benson.

"We particularly welcome the inclusion of population policy in the new minister's responsibilities, given that population growth is inextricably linked to the nation's growing freight task and many of the challenges faced by freight logistics operators, including road congestion.

"Having a single minister responsible for infrastructure and population at the Commonwealth level is a sensible approach that will help facilitate better outcomes for this industry."

Benson also expressed his council's thanks to Minister Fletcher for his extensive engagement with ALC during his time as Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities.

"Minister Fletcher's detailed understanding of infrastructure issues, particularly corridor protection and using data and technology to enhance our planning processes, has been critical to developing more freight-friendly cities.

"Minister Fletcher was particularly committed to engaging with the freight logistics industry to help develop a fairer and more sustainable model for road pricing in Australia."

He adds that ALC looks forward to working closely with both Minister Michael McCormack (infrastructure, transport and regional development) and Minister Tudge to continue progressing the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy now being developed by the Commonwealth.