Weekly News – TruckCare and TruckSafe join forces, Fatigue Management Scheme, Saleyard Welfare Standards

Click here to download the latest ALRTA Newsletter or read on about truckCare/TruckSafe joining forces, fatigue management and more..

TRUCKCARE AND TRUCKSAFE JOIN FORCES FOR A SAFER INDUSTRY

The trucking industry’s own accreditation scheme, TruckSafe, and the Australian livestock transport industry’s quality assurance program, truckCare, have joined forces to provide a single streamlined safety program for the road transport industry.

Beginning in early January 2015, truckCare will become a voluntary module of TruckSafe, with operators now able to use both programs under a single administration and auditing system. truckCare Chairman Kevin Fechner said the arrangement would usher in a new era for truckCare and its members.

“The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) developed truckCare to provide a first class quality management system for businesses that transport livestock in Australia,” Mr Fechner said.

“By incorporating truckCare as a voluntary module of TruckSafe, we will be reducing overlap and providing better value for trucking operators who put safety first in their business.

“ALRTA will retain strong involvement with the truckCare program, nominating two representatives to the TruckSafe Board to provide continuing livestock transport input.

“We understand that some of our members who are not accredited in TruckSafe may have some issues with transitioning to the program. However, we feel that this will provide the best long-term outcomes for truckCare and our members.”

TruckSafe Chairman Stephen Marley said truckCare was an excellent fit as a new TruckSafe module.

“This consolidation is all about the industry coming together to improve our safety. TruckSafe and truckCare are both leading safety management schemes developed by industry, for industry.

“Members of TruckSafe and truckCare will now only have to have one audit, pay one set of fees and deal with one set of paperwork. It’s a great outcome.”

Ross Fraser OAM, the Director of Fraser’s Livestock Transport, said the merger would make compliance much simpler for operators who were already part of both schemes.

“TruckSafe is a very good system, and it’s been a significant part of our business. We’ve been in TruckSafe for a long time,” Mr Fraser said.

“It’s a fantastic management tool, and provides credibility for accredited operators. If you aren’t in TruckSafe, you should seriously consider joining.

“It’s the same with truckCare – it was set up by the livestock transport industry, and it’s a good plan for anyone doing this kind of work.

“The merger is a great idea. It provides improved administrative support for truckCare, and allows operators to use the same audit for both programs.”

Members of truckCare will be invited to continue their accreditation through the TruckSafe program in the coming months. Existing TruckSafe members will not be affected by the changes.

ALRTA appointments to the TruckSafe positions are:

  • Stephen Marley (LRTAWA) – TruckSafe Board;
  • Graham Emery (LRTAQ) – TruckSafe Board; and
  • Tracey Boschetti (LBCA) – TruckSafe Industry Accreditation Council.

TruckSafe and truckCare members who have questions about the transition are invited to contact the TruckSafe office on (02) 6253 6900.

Tracey Boschetti TruckSafe truckCare merger photo Dec 2015Tracey Boschetti with TruckSafe Officer Kevin Walsh (Left) and TruckSafe National Manager Justin Flemming (Right).

 

CONSULTATION COMMENCES ON PROPOSED AFM TEMPLATE FOR LIVESTOCK AND RURAL TRANSPORT

The NHVR has released an exposure draft of the proposed Livestock and Rural Transport Fatigue Management Scheme (LRTFMS).  The scheme will operate under AFM and when fully operational will be composed of three templates:

  1. fortnightly cycles;
  2. long runs; and
  3. journey flexibility. The ALRTA and LRTAQ have been working with the NHVR for the past year to make this proposal a reality. We will be the first industry sector to benefit from the new arrangements and already there are around 50 operators signed up to be part of a fortnightly cycle once it becomes available.

The ALRTA is currently reviewing the material and will work with the NHVR to refine the proposal to meet operator needs and expectations.  We hope to endorse a final proposal at our National Council Meeting on 30 January 2015 and want to see the scheme launch and become operational in the first quarter of next year.

If you are interested in obtaining information about the LRTFMS please contact the ALRTA Secretariat.

ALRTA RESPONDS TO PROPOSED SALEYARD WELFARE STANDARDS

This week the ALRTA Animal Welfare Committee met to discuss our response to the proposed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock in Saleyards and Depots.

The Animal Welfare Committee generally supports the introduction of nationally consistent standards and guidelines.  Livestock are constantly moving across state borders in a single domestic market that is increasingly export oriented – it makes good sense to have one agreed set of rules when Australia’s reputation is on the line.

Our main point of contention relates to the distinction between standards (mandatory) and guidelines (voluntary).  While the proposal does well to recognise our issues with ramps, truck washes, effluent containment, and facility opening hours, it does not go far enough to establish enforceable duties on saleyard operators that would actually lead to real change.  For the most part these issues are dealt with under the proposed guidelines. This results in a situation where there is either no legal basis, or a very weak legal basis, for the observance of the proposed guidelines.

Our submission recommends that the proposed guidelines in these areas be elevated to become mandatory minimum standards.

NTC CANVASES OPTIONS FOR CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY REFORM

The NTC has released a discussion paper on ‘Chain of Responsibility: Duties Review’ for comment by 30 January 2015.  Four options are proposed:

  • Option 1: Primary (general) duty of care – involves including an overarching primary duty of care covering the entire Heavy Vehicle National Law.
  • Option 2: Chapter-based Duties – proposes the inclusion of general duties relating to speed, fatigue and mass, dimension and loading….and possibly the vehicle standards.
  • Option 3: Additional Specific Obligations – proposes new specific offences.
  • Option 4: No Legislative Change – proposes no change to the law, but an increased focus on producing guidance material and education.

The ALRTA has participated in the CoR reform process for the last two years and we have previously argued that the best possible law will require a combination of chapter-based general duties (e.g. take all reasonable steps to ensure that another party does not drive while fatigued) and a series of specific obligations (e.g. do not breach maximum driving hours).The ALRTA will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option and decide on a preferred position at our National Council Meeting on 30 January 2015.

ALRTA RAMPS WORKING GROUP MEETS

The ALRTA industry-government Ramps Working Group met this week to consider a series of revised ramps designs and a first draft of a National Guide for Safe Design of Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Yards.

The Ramps Working Group will continue to refine the document with the aim of making it available for use in early 2015 after consultation with a broader group of industry and government representatives.  We also plan to seek formal endorsement of the guide via an application to Safe Work Australia.

$5,000 AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG TRUCK DRIVER – NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

The Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association (LBCA) is seeking nominations from outstanding young truck drivers (21-35yrs) for the inaugural LBCA Young Driver Award. A $5,000 trip to the USA will go to the award winner, who must demonstrate a best practice approach to driving and safety.

Nominations are open until 9 January 2015, and the award will be presented at the LBCA Conference in Jindabyne, on 6-7 March 2015.

The award winner will be a role model for the rural transport industry in NSW, and will help to promote rural transport as a viable, long term career choice for young people.

Nomination forms and further information is available from the LBCA. Tel: 02 6230 6290 or email: office@lbca.org.au

2015 LRTAQ CONFERENCE – FEBRUARY

Kick the year off in style…come to Tangalooma Island Resort with the LRTAQ 19-22 February 2015 and have a holiday whilst participating in business and social activities.  There is a delegates meeting on Thursday followed by the ‘Haulmark Australia’ LRTAQ Transport Forum on Friday. Catch up with your old friends or make new ones in the industry at the Friday night welcome cocktail “Fiesta” and let your hair down at the Legendary Bull Carter’s Ball on Saturday night.

For the more adventurous at heart you can choose from a 4WD Safari Tour (includes sand tobogganing – that’s where you’ll find me), an eco walk tour, ATV quad bike tour or a whaling station tour.

A registration package including a full program, costs and transfer information can be found here.

2015 LBCA CONFERENCE – MARCH

The 2015 LBCA Annual Conference will be held at the Station in Jindabyne on Friday 6 – Saturday 7 March. All ARLTA members are welcome and can register at the LBCA member price. If you travel on NSW roads, you need be there and help push for safer roads, fairer loads and less red tape. You can also:

  • Learn about changes in the industry that will affect you in the coming months.
  • Sit in on the Q&A sessions with regulators and others in the supply chain as we seek workable solutions to problems on the road.
  • Get practical advice on protecting your assets and making your transport business more profitable.
  • Watch demos, explore the truck and trailer display and grab some great deals
  • Connect with your community and be part of Australia’s biggest gathering of Rural Transporters.
  • Take a well-earned break – visit the Snowy region and all it has to offer.

Don’t forget partners and families are welcome to come along too. Download your conference brochure here

NOTICE OF ALRTA COUNCIL MEETING

The ALRTA National Secretary, John Beer, advises that the next ALRTA Council and General Meeting will be held in Melbourne on Friday, 30 January 2015. State association members are invited to observe proceedings.  For details contact the ALRTA Secretariat.