NT backs delay on truckers' minimum pay

The Northern Territory government says it's "common sense" for its federal counterpart's to delay the introduction of new minimum pay rates for truck owner-drivers.

Federal Employment Minister Michaela Cash has announced that the government will introduce legislation next week to prevent mandatory minimum rates for owner-drivers taking effect before January 1.

"Our priority is protecting owner-drivers in the trucking industry and as it stands, the order put forward by the National Road Safety Tribunal threatens these drivers and all who rely on an efficient and competitive road transport industry," NT Transport Minister Peter Chandler said on Monday.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said repealing that decision was "common sense".

"The tribunal's order would lead to price increases and would be likely to have an adverse effect on competition in the sector," he said.

NT Road Transport Association President Michael Swart said the order was "anti-competitive and will destroy small family businesses who make up the bulk of owner-drivers in the NT".

He said there was "no proven link between pay and safety" and that other laws already dealt with safety in the industry.