Overview
- The Fair Work Commission hearing, which opened Wednesday in Sydney after a ministerial emergency determination, is weighing short‑term fuel relief for road transport.
- The TWU and ARTIO want weekly fuel reviews tied to market benchmarks and orders requiring clients to cover fuel costs above contracted rates, saying many firms are not passing on enough relief.
- Union and industry leaders warn owner‑drivers are only weeks from closure, with April 21 flagged as a crunch date because monthly billing cycles will leave many with unaffordable fuel debts.
- Energy Minister Chris Bowen reported fuel demand was about 30% higher over Easter and said 221 service stations were out of diesel, underscoring pressure on supply and prices.
- Parliament passed the Fairer Fuel bill in late March to let the commission fast‑track emergency applications, clearing the way for this week’s expedited proceedings.