Policy & Advocacy
Our policy and advocacy efforts are at the heart of our mission to support and strengthen the hardworking livestock and rural transport industry.
We work tirelessly to influence positive change, ensuring that our members’ voices are heard at all levels of government and within the community.
We focus on critical issues affecting the industry today — improving road safety, enhancing animal welfare standards, promoting environmental sustainability, and advocating for fair industry regulations. Learn more about how we are making a difference below.
Animal Welfare
ALRTA is dedicated to the highest standards of animal welfare. We work with industry partners, regulators, and our members to ensure that the livestock transport sector operates with compassion and responsibility.
Our current focus
Mind Your Pees & Poos Campaign
A Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) project delivering an awareness campaign to stakeholders in the livestock supply chain on the Effluent Code — promoting its benefits and reinforcing the importance of risk management processes, and advocating for safe management of effluent waste.
Keep the Sheep Campaign
Road Safety
Road safety is paramount in the transport industry. We are committed to reducing accidents and improving safety for all road users. Our initiatives focus on driver training programs, vehicle safety standards, and advocating for better road infrastructure.
Our current focus
Driver and Animal Welfare Committee
Road Infrastructure
Advocate for proper funding to maintain and improve the road network — including betterment after natural disasters, bridge reinforcement and improvement, and network access.
Training
Advocate for higher training by RTOs and behind-the-wheel training times for automatic vehicles.
Industry Regulation
ALRTA plays an important role in shaping industry regulations to ensure they are fair, effective, and supportive of our members. We engage with policymakers, provide feedback on proposed regulations, and advocate for changes that benefit the industry.
Our current focus
Workforce
Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL)
Advocate for reform to increase productivity and safety for heavy vehicle operators, reducing regulatory and compliance requirements.
Rural Transport Managed Deposit Scheme (RTMDS)
Advocate for a scheme that enables rural transport businesses to stay resilient — allowing operators to save during prosperous times and withdraw funds during economic hardship, natural disasters, animal disease outbreaks, and downturns.
Fuel Tax Credit Scheme
Maintain the current Fuel Tax Credit Scheme, noting its importance in managing operator finances.
Submissions & Consultations
ALRTA regularly makes formal submissions to government inquiries, regulatory reviews, and consultation processes — representing the collective voice of our members and the broader livestock transport industry.
We have appeared before parliamentary select committees and contributed to reviews covering road safety, animal welfare, fuel policy, and heavy vehicle regulation.
