View from the Cab · 26 October 2026
A national skill set for livestock transport is now endorsed, plus new committees, better driver facilities and our new Loading Calculator app.
There is plenty of good news to share this week, from livestock transport training competencies and better facilities for drivers at Forbes, to the launch of our PBS and Finance Committees. The common thread is people coming together, sharing knowledge and experience, and turning that collective effort into practical progress for our industry.
The endorsement of the new national Livestock Transport Driver Skill Set is an achievement our industry can be proud of.
ALRTA initiated this project with Industry Skills Australia (ISA) to give the specialist skills of livestock transporters the recognition they deserve. Moving livestock safely takes much more than driving a truck. It requires stock handling skills, an understanding of animal welfare and biosecurity, and sound judgement throughout the trip.
This nationally recognised training provides a clearer benchmark for employers and drivers, while helping build a pathway for the next generation entering our industry. That is exciting, because these are the operators we need to be attracting now.
It also speaks directly to national food security and resilience. Australia needs skilled people who can keep livestock moving safely between farms, saleyards, feedlots and processors, including when conditions become difficult.
Thank you to ISA, the Technical Committee, training organisations and our industry contributors for bringing this work to this milestone. The next task is making the training accessible and useful for operators, including those in regional and remote Australia.
We applaud Forbes Shire Council for taking practical steps to improve conditions for drivers at the Central West Livestock Exchange.
ALRTA has provided a letter supporting Council's grant application for improved driver amenities. With just two showers currently available, there is a clear need for better facilities.
Decent amenities matter. They help drivers make better use of their breaks, support their wellbeing and demonstrate respect for the people doing a demanding job. They also help make our industry a more welcoming workplace for women, younger drivers and new entrants.
Congratulations to the Forbes team for recognising that need and acting on it. We wish them every success with the application and thank them for their collaboration with LRTANSW and our members.
Our Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Committee launched this week, bringing together national representation from HVIA, the NHVR, suppliers, operators, rural carriers and livestock transporters.
It is a real privilege to have that depth of experience around the table. People see different parts of a problem, and bringing those perspectives together helps us find workable solutions.
Discussion covered delays in clearing defects, electronic braking systems and the need for a better shared understanding between operators, suppliers and enforcement agencies. Education, consistent interpretation and a risk-based approach were strong themes.
We also discussed opportunities for enforcement personnel and operators to learn through site visits and working groups. Building that practical understanding can help improve decisions and resolve issues more effectively.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. This national input will guide our upcoming representations to the NHVR at the ATA Council meeting on 11 November.
Our Finance Committee also launched this week, strengthening the oversight that gives members, Council and the Executive confidence in how ALRTA's financial resources are managed.
Its focus includes financial risk and controls (such as credit card use and approval processes), operating expenditure, cash flow, debtors and the balance sheet, and oversight of investments to preserve funds and help secure ALRTA's future.
Strong financial governance supports our ability to advocate, deliver projects and represent members over the long term. It is an essential foundation for the work ahead.
From training and driver facilities to technical collaboration and financial stewardship, this week's progress reflects the contribution of people who care about our industry and are prepared to do the work. My thanks to all involved.
The new ALRTA Livestock Loading Calculator app is now available on Apple and Android devices. We need your practical experience to help make it better.
This is a test version. Download it, try it against your everyday loading scenarios and tell us what works, what needs improving and what is missing. Your feedback will directly inform future improvements.
Join the introductory webinar on Thursday 12 November, 11:00am to 12:30pm (ACT time). The webinar will walk through the app's key features, demonstrate how to use the calculator and give attendees the chance to share their feedback. We encourage you to download the app beforehand and come along with any questions or suggestions.
It is your industry and your experience that will make this tool stronger. Please get involved.