Member information: Fuel Surcharges and the Road Transport Order
The Fair Work Commission issued an order in April 2026 requiring parties in road transport contracts to review and adjust rates fortnightly to cover rising fuel costs.
How does the FWC road transport fuel surcharge order affect my trade business costs?
Tradies who subcontract transport or rely on freight and delivery services may see fortnightly rate changes affecting their supply and logistics costs.
Key takeaways
- FWC issued an order in April 2026 on fuel cost recovery in road transport contracts.
- Transport rates must be reviewed and adjusted fortnightly under the new order.
- Both primary and secondary parties in transport contractual chains are affected.
- Tradies using freight or delivery services may face more frequent cost fluctuations.
Related
Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
HIA has made a submission on the Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. The bill would implement legislative recommendations from a 2026 review of industrial relations and workers' compensation. The article excerpt gives no further detail.
Why it matters: Changes to industrial relations and workers' compensation rules could affect builders and other trades that employ staff or subcontract. Details are unclear, so employers should watch the bill's progress.
New Fixed Term Contract Information Statement
A new version of the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement has been published. It follows recent changes to the exceptions that allow additional fixed term contracts.
Why it matters: Trade businesses that employ apprentices, labourers or project-based staff on fixed term contracts may need to give workers the updated statement. Using an outdated version could cause compliance problems.
Junior wage changes to Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy Awards
The article announces upcoming changes to junior pay rates in the Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy Awards. It gives no detail on the new rates, the start dates or who is affected.
Why it matters: These awards cover retail, fast food and pharmacy rather than construction trades. Plumbers, electricians and builders are unlikely to be affected directly, unless they run a retail-style side business or employ juniors in those sectors.