ALRTA News – 20 July 2018

PARTICIPATE IN FATIGUE RESEARCH

The National Transport Commission (NTC) is encouraging more heavy vehicle drivers to take part in a research project examining heavy vehicle driver fatigue.

In collaboration with industry and governments, the NTC is working with the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity (Alertness CRC) to evaluate the impacts of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) on driver fatigue.

NTC Chief Executive Paul Retter says not enough evidence exists about the cause and impact of fatigue to determine the changes needed in fatigue policy.

“The heavy vehicle industry requires more flexibility in fatigue regulation, however first we need to better understand fatigue and the road safety challenges it represents.

“There is a lack of comparable data, and data in general, on fatigue risks associated with heavy vehicle driving. We need robust evidence to underpin any future reforms of the fatigue regulations in the HVNL,” Mr Retter said.

A new NTC video about the research project explores both the real-world and laboratory phases of the study with the view of encouraging more drivers to take part. Click the link to see LRTAV’s Tom Allen explain the value in participating in the research project.

“Drivers are vital in helping us understand fatigue. We need more drivers and operators to take up this valuable opportunity to share their experiences,” Mr Retter said.

The research phase of the project is due for completion at the end of 2018. The NTC will present findings to transport ministers in May 2019.

SECOND LIVE EXPORT LICENCE SUSPENSION

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has suspended the live export licence of a second livestock export company.

The suspension applies to EMS Exports which is related to Emmanuel Exports – the company that received the first licence suspension.

The suspension will remain in place pending a full review by the Department.

Sheep that had been due for export remain in a registered feedlot.  The sheep have been inspected by the department’s veterinarians; they are in good health and well-cared for.

Arrangements for these animals remain the responsibility of the exporter.  Exporters are also responsible for ensuring they meet all animal welfare requirements imposed under Commonwealth and state law.

As a result of these suspensions, and the decision by Livestock Shipping Services to voluntarily leave the market, live sheep exports from WA have effectively come to a halt with tens of thousands of animals stranded in feedlots and incomes reduced for transporters and producers.

BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND PROJECTS

The Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, has announced that $208m in new funding has been offered to 136 new regional project around Australia.

No funding has been allocated for a pilot roadside effluent disposal facility.  The ALRTA remains hopeful that our other grant application will deliver a better result.

Some of the successful project applications are outlined below.

Upgrade and Redevelopment of the Inverell Livestock Exchange
The project will upgrade and redevelop the Inverell Livestock exchange to include a new amenities building for transport drivers, new undercover selling pens with soft flooring, upgraded weighing and animal handling facilities, new feed yards with feed bunks to improve animal welfare outcomes, expanded truck parking and decoupling area to improve heavy vehicle safety and driver fatigue and new truck wash down facilities.

Livestock Market Kiosk Upgrade
The project will refurbish the Singleton Regional Livestock Market’s Office/Kiosk building to improve the aesthetics of the building and make it more user friendly.

Roma Saleyard Multi-Purpose Facility
This project will build a multi-purpose facility including construction and fit-out of an interactive centre to showcase the livestock industry in the region of Roma.

Macedon Ranges Livestock Exchange and Truck Park – Stage 1
The project will upgrade the Macedon Ranges Livestock Exchange and Truck Park.

COR WORKSHOPS

NHVR has announced another twenty industry information sessions on the changes to chain of responsibility laws that will come into effect on 1 October 2018.

The workshops will be held between 2 August and 24 September at locations in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA and TAS.

To find out about specific locations and how to register click here.

REMINDER: COMMENT ON DRAFT MASTER CODE

There is only two weeks left to consider and comment on the draft Master Industry Code of Practice.

The code will assist supply chain parties to meet obligations under the new chain of responsibility laws that will come into effect on 1 October 2018.

For more information click here.

ALRTA EXECUTIVE

The ALRTA Executive met via teleconference this week to discuss management arrangements.

The next ALRTA Council meeting will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, 16 August 2018.  Please see meeting notice below.

TECHNICAL & MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE

The ATA is now calling for nominations for the 2018 Craig Roseneder Award, which recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the trucking industry.


Photo: 2017 Winner Mark Collins of Frasers Livestock Transport

This prestigious award celebrates the professionalism of the men and women who work behind the scenes in the trucking industry’s workshops and highlights the amazing calibre of people who work behind the scene to keep our trucks safe on the road.

The award winner will receive a fully paid trip to Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to attend the US Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition including:

  • Return airfares to the United States of America
  • Full registration to attend the 2019 US Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition
  • 5 nights premium conference accommodation
  • Partners’ program registration if applicable
  • AUD $1,500 spending money
  • Complimentary registration to the 2019 ATA Technology and Maintenance Conference

The award winner will be announced at the ATA’s 2018 Technology and Maintenance Conference, to be held 15-17 October at the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence.

Nominations for the 2018 Craig Roseneder Award close on 14 September.

View the selection criteria and nominate someone great

You can also join others from <member association> and register for the 2018 TMC

NTI CLAIMS BACK TO BACK MANSFIELD AWARDS

ALRTA congratulates our National Platinum Partner nti on being awarded the Mansfield Award for Claims Excellence in the Specialty Category for the second year running.

nti’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tony Clark says receiving such a prestigious Award on the back of nti’s period of expansion is as much a reflection on the nti culture as it is the claims proposition. “Maintaining our level of service while increasing our portfolio was our ultimate goal,” he said. “We’ve continued to deliver a promise to customers – which sees businesses functioning at full capacity, with minimal impact, as soon as possible.”

Winners of the Award are determined via an independent system developed by claims specialists LMI Group. Claims performance is rated using official data and user surveys. Results are then weighted to take into consideration the range of policies, service efficiency, proactivity, accuracy and fairness. Companies are not invited to make a submission, nor involved in the judging process.

Following on from the Mansfield win, nti also received confirmation on Friday as a Finalist for ANZIIF’s Underwriting Agency of the Year. Winners will be announced at a ceremony 30 August 2018. The ALRTA team wishes nti the best of luck and thanks nti for their ongoing contribution to our industry.

MEETING NOTICE: AGM AND COUNCIL

Members are advised that the ALRTA will be holding a Council meeting and AGM on Thursday, 16 August 2018 at the Best Western, Airport Motel and Convention Centre, 33 Ardlie St, Victoria.

For more information please contact the ALRTA Secretariat.

UPCOMING EVENTS

LRTAWA Conference
The LRTAWA Annual State Conference will be held 20-21 July 2018 at the Quality Light House Hotel in Bunbury.

The program and registration form is now available.

Click here for more information.

LRTAV Conference
The LRTAV Annual State Conference will be held 17-18 August 2018 at All Seasons Resort in Bendigo.

Click here for a Delegate Brochure.

Click here for a Delegate Registration Form.

ATA & ALC Supply Chain Safety & Compliance Summit
The ATA & ALC will hold the 2018 Supply Chain Safety & Compliance Summit, 5-6 September 2018, in Melbourne.

The Summit will be the last major industry event before the commencement of expanded chain of responsibility laws and the new Registered Industry Master Code of Practice.

Click here for more information.