ALRTA News – 4 October 2019

NTI IS AUSTRALIA’S NUMBER 1 TRUCK INSURER

NTI proudly supporting the voice of industry.
National Platinum Partner of the ALRTA

ALRTA RESPONDS TO SENATE INQUIRY

ALRTA has lodged a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the importance of a viable, safe, sustainable and efficient road transport industry.  Our submission was developed following consultation with ALRTA’s six State Member Associations and includes 15 recommendations covering topics including:

  1. Enforcement of awards and superannuation payments
  2. Mandatory minimum rates for owner drivers
  3. Registration schemes and plates
  4. Compliance and enforcement strategy
  5. Funding of regional roads
  6. Effluent disposal infrastructure
  7. Provision of rest areas
  8. Roll out of low-cost proven infrastructure that improves safety
  9. Telecommunications blackspots
  10. HVNL consistency
  11. Chain of responsibility improvements
  12. Operator licencing
  13. Off-road infrastructure and amenities
  14. Payment terms, dispute resolution and publication of guide rates
  15. Industry-government consultation mechanisms

ALRTA is also working with ATA on other topics such as training, vehicle standards and the impact of road trauma.
 
The closing date for submissions is 17 October 2019.  ALRTA encourages all members to get involved.  For more information or to make a submission click here.

INDUSTRY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITE

It is always best to present a united front when dealing with state governments. This week, we joined forces with Somerset Regional Council to request a meeting with Queensland Transport and Main Roads North Coast District about the need for roadside effluent disposal facilities.  ALRTA representatives included Ian Wild (LRTAQ President), Fiona Wild (ALRTA Treasurer) and Mathew Munro (ALRTA Executive Director).  Somerset Regional Council Representatives included Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Deputy Mayor Dan Hall, Bob Holmes (CEO) and Andrew Johnson (Director Operations).
 
TMR understand the need for roadside infrastructure but as always funding and risk is a primary concern.  The group discussed potential sites, design, data collection, operations and funding opportunities.

The Industry-Council Delegation – Fiona Wild, Ian Wild, Bob Holmes, Graeme Lehmann, Andrew Johnson and Dan Hall.

AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING 

ALRTA is consulting with members and vehicle manufacturers about the prospect of mandatory autonomous emergency braking systems (AEBS).
 
If implemented, mandatory AEBS may commence from 1 November 2020 for new vehicle models and 1 November 2022 for all new vehicles.
 
regulatory impact statement has found that mandatory AEBS would reduce the severity of 15 per cent of all heavy vehicle crashes (predominantly when a heavy vehicle impacts the rear of another vehicle) and would reduce all forms of trauma in such collisions by up to 57 per cent.
 
If a broad mandatory approach was taken, AEBS could save 78 lives, 2,152 serious injuries and 6,697 minor injuries for a trauma saving of $269m in net present value over 15 years.  This would however involve a cost to business of $213m. 
 
Our consultation indicates that few operators in the rural sector have experience with AEBS.  Those who do have experience are extremely impressed with the capability of the technology and resulting safety improvements.  There are however some concerns about cost, lack of a standard system type (off-switches, override, sensor protection etc) and the impact of animal strikes.  Manufacturers are ready to supply the market if required.
 
We are currently working with ATA to finalise a position.  At this stage it appears that the case for mandatory AEBS is very strong, but more work is required to consult with industry to develop an Australian Design Rule that is suitable for Australian conditions.

NEW ROAD RULES IN TASMANIA

From 1 December 2019 in Tasmania, all motorists must safely slow to 40km/h as they pass any stationary or slow moving emergency vehicle with red, blue or magenta lights flashing. 

The rule includes NHVR vehicles displaying magenta lights.

It applies to traffic travelling in either direction, unless there’s a dividing barrier between the motorist and the emergency vehicle. 

VALE ANDY BEER

ALRTA extends our condolences to family and friends of Andy Beer of Sunbury VIC, late of Coleambally NSW, who passed away on 20 September.
 
Andy was a long-term livestock transporter and member of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV).  Andy’s brother John Beer is the current President of LRTAV.
 
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Andy was held at the Mechanics Institute Hall, cnr Reef and High Street, Wedderburn on Friday 4 October 2019 commencing at 11am.  A burial at the Mysia cemetery followed.  In lieu of flowers, donations were made to the Border Cancer Hospital.

Rest in peace Andy.

SHOULD I OWN A TRUCK?

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has published a Farm Business Fact Sheet for primary producers considering whether or not to own a truck or rely on contracting services.  The fact sheet covers market economics, logistics, efficient labour use, convenience and comparative costs.
 
Interestingly, the fact sheet does not cover knowledge of transport law, chain of responsibility or the impact of undertaking off-farm work on registration or fuel costs.
 
The fact sheet can be found here.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SAFETY CHAMPION?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has urged businesses to make safety a priority this National Safe Work Month.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the month, which runs throughout October, was a reminder for all workplaces to review their safety practices.

“National Safe Work Month is a chance to shine a light on the importance of safety in our workplaces—one of the highest priorities for the NHVR,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“We know that a safe industry is a productive one and this month we’re calling on all businesses, big or small, to embrace the theme and “be a safety champion”.

“No matter what job you perform or where you work, you can be a safety champion by making and following safety procedures and reporting all safety risks you encounter.

“Help to reinforce a good safety culture this month by putting aside half an hour to discuss ways you can continue to help build a safe, healthy and productive workplace for yourself and your colleagues.

“Remember, the NHVR operates the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL) where you can report any safety concerns you may have securely and anonymously for investigation.

“Just call the hotline on 1800 931 785 to report operational safety issues in the heavy vehicle industry.”

For more information on National Safe Work Month head to: safeworkmonth.swa.gov.au

For more information on the HVCRL head to: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/heavy-vehicle-confidential-reporting-line

NOW OPEN: BP GUMLY GUMLY

ALRTA is pleased to inform members that BP has opened a new 24/7 site at 1 Tasman Road, Gumly Gumly.

OCTOBER IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Mental Health Month is an annual event to raise awareness of mental illness, reduce the stigma and discrimination against people living with mental illness, and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the community. 

This October, OzHelp is encouraging workplaces and communities to take action to promote mental health and wellbeing. Let’s all work to make Mental Health Month, and good mental health and wellbeing, a journey that everyone can share. 

For information about OzHelp’s workplace health and wellbeing programs, contact us on 1300 694 357 or visit the website.

MEETING NOTICE: ALRTA NATIONAL COUNCIL

Members are advised that the ALRTA National Council will next meet on Friday, 25 October 2019 at the ATA Conference Room, Minter Ellison Building, 25 National Circuit, Forrest ACT.
 
For more information please contact the ALRTA Secretariat via office@alrta.org.au

REMINDER: REVIEW OF HARVEST SCHEMES

The NHVR is reviewing heavy vehicle loading schemes used during grain harvest across Australia.
 
ALRTA is currently consulting with all State Member Associations about each jurisdictional scheme.  On 25 October 2019, the ALRTA National Council will consider the possibility of moving to a harmonised national scheme.
 
If you have a view on your state scheme or the possibility of a national scheme, please speak with your ALRTA State Member Association in the next few weeks.

NO NEWSLETTER NEXT WEEK

The ALRTA Executive Director will be on leave and there will be no newsletter published for the week ending 11 October 2019.  Normal service will resume on 18 October 2019.
 
For urgent enquiries please contact office@alrta.org.au or (02) 6247 5434.