View from the Cab · 13 October 2026
Australia's food security depends on the people behind the wheel. ALRTA was at the table as a national plan to address the driver shortage was launched.
Australia's supply chain resilience depends on having the skilled people to keep it moving and for livestock and rural transport, that connection is direct.
Last week Ben represented ALRTA and LRTANSW at the Supply Chain Leaders Summit at NSW Parliament House, convened by Industry Skills Australia. Without capable drivers, livestock cannot reach processors, agricultural produce cannot reach markets and essential supplies cannot reach regional communities. Building our workforce is an investment in Australia's food security, animal welfare and national resilience.
Industry Skills Australia Chair Catherine Baxter highlighted the importance of bringing industry, government and training providers together on practical solutions. The Hon Andrew Giles MP reinforced the link between strong supply chains and national sovereignty, while DHL CEO Steve Thompsett spoke about leadership and the expectations that shape successful teams.
A key highlight was Senator Glenn Sterle's launch of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Action Plan. With around 28,000 driver vacancies nationally and that shortfall projected to grow significantly, rebuilding the driver pipeline demands coordinated action.
The plan focuses on four priorities:
Each of these matters to our members. We need to show prospective drivers the opportunity our industry offers, provide credible pathways into the cab and support experienced drivers to stay. As traditional entry pathways decline, we must also find practical ways to pass on the knowledge that generations of rural transport families have built.
For our sector, implementation must recognise the skills required to handle livestock, protect animal welfare and operate safely across long distances and demanding regional conditions. Our operators' experience must help shape the solutions.
Australia's food security depends on the people behind the wheel. Building that workforce must be a national priority.