Pathways to decarbonisation of Australia’s trucking industry
A step closer to net zero
The Australian Government has a goal to reduce GHG emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Currently, the transport sector, like many others, is not on track to meet these targets. There is, however, the opportunity to introduce policies today that will have significant impacts and accelerate the industry’s ability to meet these targets in a way that is achievable.
Deloitte Access Economics has been commissioned by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) to develop an evidence-based trajectory for road freight transport’s greenhouse gas emissions. This has been used to assess how three ATA-proposed policies could assist with decarbonisation of Australia’s trucking industry in ways which are likely to be cost effective and achievable for the industry.
In the 2025 emissions modelling and analysis report, the emissions reductions have been modelled to come from three primary interventions as suggested by the ATA: a purchase voucher scheme for electric vehicles, incentives for renewable diesel production, and a $5 billion investment in targeted road upgrades with access improvements and funding for eight critical road projects. The modelling estimates that these policy measures could significantly assist with decarbonising Australia’s trucking industry, reducing total emissions collectively by an estimated 35.1 million tonnes of CO₂-e over 25 years. These policies not only aim to reduce emissions but also modernise the fleet, aligning with Australia’s broader net zero goals, clean air objectives and supporting economic growth within the trucking industry.
