Just when we thought that T&L couldn't get more challenging, we now have a Commonwealth Government process in chaos and confusion. The one-liners are pouring out:
"Delay on climate change legislation is a denial of climate change"
"The ETC is simply a huge tax on the Australian people"
We have seen a change in leaders in the Liberal Party and the elevation of the person voted least likely to succeed a few days earlier. We have a new phrase to describe a nomination for leadership called the "non leadership" approach. How much stranger can it get?
In the midst of all this pushing and shoving the main game seems to be fading from the minds of the politicians - climate change is a fact, the science is in. This was the overwhelming decision of the Environment Summit of the T&L Industry held last year in Melbourne. In fact the words used were "the debate is over".
Large transport groups such as LINFOX and TOLL are already starting programmes to address fuel efficiency, driving skills (eco-driving), new technology, energy reduction and carbon footprints. Smaller companies are being driven towards new engine standards by tightening of emission standards.
Anyone with half a brain is looking at ways and means they can save costs on energy and get ready for the climate change crisis that frankly we all know is coming - the views of various political parties notwithstanding.
The Australian Logistics Council is undertaking a major project in conjunction with the State based Freight Councils to examine the future of supply chains in Australia in the context of sustainablilty - energy and environmental issues. By the time this study is completed in March 2010 hopefully the parliament will have caught up with the rest of us.
For those climate change deniers in the T&L industry I can only suggest a conversion to Christianity as soon as possible - Armageddon and the Second Coming may be your only hope if you continue to sit on your hands and do nothing in this world.