12 Sep GOVERNMENT HYPOCRISY AT ITS FINEST – HARASSING TRUCKIES, IGNORING REAL ISSUES

The Queensland Government’s priorities have hit a new low – targeting truck drivers with random breath tests (RBTs) at rest stops where they’ve pulled up for the night, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that police resources are being used to harass truckies at rest stops, where they’ve pulled over after long, gruelling hours on the road.

“This is nothing short of the State Government flexing its muscles on the wrong people while ignoring the real issues plaguing our communities,” Mr Katter said.

He condemned the hypocrisy of the State Government’s priorities, pointing out that while North Queensland is battling real problems – like skyrocketing youth crime and crumbling roads – the Government instead targeted truck drivers with petty crackdowns.

“While our roads deteriorate and youth crime spirals out of control, police resources are being misused in a money-grabbing exercise.

“We all understand the importance of road safety but harassing hardworking truckies, who are off the clock is over-policing and intimidation. This isn’t about safety – it’s about squeezing truckies for cash.

“Truckies are the lifeblood of our economy, ensuring we get food on the shelves and goods delivered. The emotional toll this harassment takes on drivers, who are already grappling with long hours on terrible roads and limited rest areas, is unacceptable,” Mr Katter said.

The increasing imposition on transport companies, paired with nonsensical regulations, was pushing truckies to the brink.

“Several North Queensland transport companies have reported to me that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep or employ truck drivers, as many are unwilling to endure the constant harassment and overreach from the police,” the Member for Traeger said.

“The Brisbane ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to road regulations doesn’t work in North Queensland.

“Instead of addressing the real issues – like providing flexible and sensible regulations – this Government chooses to target easy victims while the bigger problems fester.”

He said the KAP would continue to fight for fair treatment of truckies and ensure they weren’t scapegoated by a Government more interested in revenue-raising than real solutions.

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