Mr Andren asked the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, upon notice, on 1 December 1998:

Has the Government raised the maximum weight limit of semitrailers from 42.5 to 45.5 tonnes; if so, will the Government compensate councils who need to upgrade their bridges as a result; if not, why not.

Mr Anderson (Transport and Regional Services) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

The Government has not raised the maximum weight of semitrailers from 42.5 to 45.5 tonnes. There is a proposal from the National Road Transport Commission to increase mass limits for heavy vehicles fitted with road friendly suspension under which the mass limit for a six axle semitrailer would increase from 42.5 to 45.5 tonnes.

The proposal is being supported by the Government because of the productivity improvements it will mean for the road transport industry which will benefit the broader community.

One of the issues that is being considered by Commonwealth, State and Territory Transport Ministers is funding for the bridge upgrading required to implement the mass limit increase and the Government has committed to contribute to a bridge upgrading program.