ELECTRONIC WORK DIARIES
The ALRTA National Council has resolved to support the roll out of voluntary electronic work diaries (EWD). The decision was made at a face-to-face meeting on Saturday, 24 March 2018.
While ALRTA remains opposed to any mandatory application of EWDs, we consider that the problems are rooted in the underlying laws around fatigue, access and general application of compliance and enforcement activities. These laws were designed for a regulatory system that did not rely on vehicle-based technology and there is now an urgent need to undertake a thorough review in the modern context.
ALRTA also considers that all parts of government must work together to develop a single IT platform and rules for open source regulatory telematics devices that encompasses EWDs, IAP and any future road user charging system. Now is the time to consider these issues if we are to avoid multiple devices being required in each vehicle.
ALRTA encourages operators to carefully consider whether or not an EWD is right for your business.
For more information click here
CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY REFORM
The ALRTA has made a submission to the Queensland Parliament Transport and Public Works Committee which is considering the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.
Our submission highlights the positive changes to chain of responsibility laws in this Bill and a previous 2016 Bill and recommends that the reform package be implemented in full and without delay.
A full copy of the ALRTA submission can be found here.
MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE ON CHARGING
Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, hosted a roundtable of industry leaders in Sydney last week to discuss heavy vehicle charging trials. ALRTA was represented by Executive Director, Mathew Munro, who stressed the need for the trials to take account of the very different operating environment in rural and regional Australia.
The Federal Government is planning to undertake a national pilot which will look at substituting registration charges and the road user charge for a more direct mass-distance-location charge. In addition, state government will be undertaking local trials focussed on revenue collection for road upgrades that improve access or deliver other productivity benefits.
The Roundtable was followed up by a special session at the 2018 LBRCA/ALRTA Combined Conference that discussed all aspects of the proposals, including other aspects of the reform such as calculation of the cost base and decision making.
2018 LBRCA/ALRTA COMBINED CONFERENCE
The 2018 LBRCA/ALRTA Combined Conference held in Coffs Harbour last weekend was a resounding success with ‘full house’ attendance levels across all associated events.
The policy sessions touched on issues as diverse as chain of responsibility, EWDs, charging, access, road infrastructure, training, vehicle dimensions, loading schemes and IAP.
We also kicked off the development of an industry code of practice for effluent management during a special workshop session that involved our entire audience and undertook a survey on attitudes towards user-pay infrastructure.
There was no shortage of well deserved awards and accolades over the event. ALRTA congratulates the following outstanding contributors:
- ALRTA Life Member: Gordon Martin
- ALRTA Life Member: Robert Cavanagh
- ALRTA McIver Award: Owen Driscoll
- LBRCA Young Driver of the Year: Mark Carmichael
It was also great to hear from last year’s winner of the ALRTA-NHVR Safety Innovation Award (supported by BP), Dean Clarke, of Hopkins Transport about his cutting-edge driver training program. BP stepped up again this year by supporting 12 ambassadors from around Australia to attend the event.
ALRTA thanks all conference participants and speakers, especially our keynote speakers:
- NSW Minister for Transport – the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP
- Federal Member for Cowper – the Hon. Luke Hartsuyker MP
- Federal Senator for NSW – Senator John Williams
- Mayor of Coffs Harbour – Cr Denise Knight
A special thanks also to our National Sponsors for supporting the great work of our associations and our conference events with ongoing support and special auction donations – we couldn’t do what we do without you:
- PACCAR & Dealer
- PACCAR Parts
- NTI
- Byrne Trailers
- BP
- Lowes Petroleum
- Cummins
- Beaurepaires
The entire conference was recorded and we hope to soon provide links to content for those who weren’t able to be there or would like to review session content.
Which reminds me, the recording will also include the performance of Hypnotist Isaac Lomman. This was an amazing standout event during the Saturday night National Sponsors Dinner which convinced many in the audience that ‘this stuff is real’. You really do have to see it to believe it!
Last but not least, we thank the committee members of the LBRCA and ALRTA (Bec, Carley, Tracey, Colleen, Kiki and Mat + the rest of the LBRCA Committee) as well as the staff of Opal Cove Resort. These events require months of background work followed by 110% commitment 24/7 during the week of the event – great job all!
Next year’s National Conference will be hosted by LRTASA. Look out for details closer to the event.
ELECTION RESULTS: LBRCA AGM
The ALRTA congratulates the following office bearers re-elected at the LBRCA AGM on 24 March 2018:
- President: Lynley Miners
- Vice President Livestock: Graeme Hoare
- Vice President Bulk: Kel Baxter
- Treasurer: Anthony Hopton
- Secretary: Tracy Boshetti
Immediate Past President: Jock Carter
HAPPY EASTER – TAKE CARE ON THE ROAD
With Easter and the school holidays fast approaching, nti – Australia’s leading specialist insurer, is reminding drivers to exercise caution as road use increases over the coming weeks.
With a number of changes to road restrictions across Australia, it’s a great opportunity for professional drivers to lead by example, said nti’s Chief Executive Officer, Tony Clark.
“The 2018 Easter break will present a unique environment for road users. There’s various factors coming into play, outside of it just being school holidays.”
“We’ve seen the recent introduction of enforceable revised speed limits and lane restrictions across numerous main highways, designed for traffic management and increased safety,” says Mr Clark.
“Around Easter we typically see an increase in road users who aren’t familiar with these roads or the changes for that matter, so it’s important for experienced drivers to exercise patience and remember they’re on display”.
nti encourages drivers and dispatchers alike to consider the potential impact of holidays road conditions.
“Everyone in the supply chain needs to be mindful of the potential delays over the holidays – responsibility does not reside solely with the driver,” says Mr Clark.
nti recommends considering the below measures to help keep safety top of mind this Easter:
- Stay up to date: there are currently multiple speed and lane restrictions taking place on main highways. Visit your state’s Department of Main Roads website to stay on top of these changes, as fines do apply.
- Reconsider journey plans: take account reduced speed areas, increase in traffic, varied traffic conditions. Consider alternative routes and revise expectations during the period.
Take time to communicate: circulate these updates amongst your team, work mates and industry colleagues. Try reiterating the holiday safety message as part of your workplace Toolbox discussion.