ALRTA would like to thank our National Partners for their support at our National Conference last week in Bendigo, VIC
Your continued support is greatly appreciated
Visit our partners on the ALRTA website
MCDONALD ELECTED FOR THIRD TERM
Scott McDonald was elected ALRTA National President for a third term at the ALRTA Annual General Meeting held 12 August 2022. 
ALRTA President Scott McDonald.
Mr McDonald said that he is honoured to continue in the role.
“The last two years of my Presidency, our industry has dealt with external threats including droughts, fires, floods, an Adblue crisis and multiple pandemic waves. And now we are faced with rampant inflation, international supply chain problems, fuel price spikes, labour shortages and crucial biosecurity threats,” said Mr McDonald.
“If nothing else, these repeated crises have resulted in far greater recognition of the essential role that rural road transport plays in supporting the Australian economy, communities and households. I am honoured to continue for a third term as ALRTA President – a position with strong national and state associations behind it that know how to influence responses to the many critical issues we are facing,” he said.
The ALRTA National Executive for 2022-23 is:
- National President: Scott McDonald (LBRCA)
- Vice President: Ian Wild (LRTAQ)
- Vice President: Matt Henderson (LRTAWA)
- Treasurer: Alan McKenzie (LRTAV)
- Secretary: Grant Robins (LRTAWA)
- ATA Representative: Athol Carter (LRTAQ)
Elected office bearers will commence their one-year appointment from 1 Oct 2022.
2022 NATIONAL-STATE CONFERENCE
Last weekend, members, delegates, speakers and partners descended on Bendigo, Victoria for the LRTAV-ALRTA Combined National Conference. The event was coupled with the ALRTA National Council meeting and AGM, as well as a TruckSafe Board meeting, bringing even more attendees to the site.
The Gala Dinner in full swing.
Biosecurity was the focus of the first session with Dr Chris Parker, Dr Peter Dagg and Dr Megan Scott providing a detailed presentation on Australia’s preparedness to deal with a foot and mouth disease outbreak. There was plenty of Q&A with the audience clearly concerned about potential impacts on rural trucking.
The FMD Panel: Mat Munro, Dr Megan Scott, Dr Peter Dagg & Dr Chris Parker.
The ‘Innovation, Access & Productivity’ session considered new access systems under development by the NHVR and in Tasmania, with interesting contributions on the application of bridge formulas in Victoria and managing mass under chain of responsibility. When it comes to ‘permitless’ access management, it seems the future is already here – or at least it is under development!
Everyone has a keen interest in ‘Safety and Welfare’. Glen ‘Cookie’ Cook delivered a morbidly riveting presentation on powerline safety. With such a strong focus on road safety and loading/unloading, it is an area that can easily be overlooked – with terrible consequences. WorkSafe Victoria also contributed with a sobering look at the risk profile of rural trucking.
The O’Sullivans enjoy the National Partners Cocktail Function.
ALRTA updated delegates on our broad and ambitious work program, with the NTC also providing a summary of HVNL reforms agreed by Ministers just two weeks ago. For the first time in Victoria, LRTAV held separate break-out sessions for livestock and bulk carriers, with each session every well attended.
The evening events were a smashing success. We thanked our national partners, awarded state and national life memberships, recognised outstanding young drivers, launched a new national award and were treated to a keynote address by the big fella himself, Merv Hughes.
Big Merv spins a yarn.
Look out for more detail on our special awards and launches over the next few weeks.
Our thanks to hosts LRTAV for sensational planning and organisation, as well as, all delegates, members, speakers and partners who made it such a memorable event. Plus a very special thanks to key organisers Tara Fry (LRTAV) and Colleen Mays (ALRTA) as well as the entire LRTAV Conference Committee.
Tara Fry and Colleen Mays – Yes, all the hard work was worth it!
ALRTA THANKS NATIONAL PARTNERS
ALRTA has thanked all of our National Partners in a special dinner event at the 2022 LRTAV-ALRTA Combined National Conference in Bendigo Victoria.
Commencing with a ‘welcome to country’ and video message from the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon. Catherine King MP, the cocktail-style format enabled individuals to move freely around the venue to mingle with friends and business partners, grab a bite from the roaming food platters or a drink kindly provided by Goodyear. This was especially important after COVID caused the cancellation of so many of our face-to-face conference events in recent years.
Over the evening, ALRTA National President, Scott McDonald, thanked each partner for their ongoing support, inviting a short speech, and providing a certificate of our deep appreciation. We were very pleased to thank:
- NTI – represented by Farah Lock
- Bp – represented by Rachael Stringer
- Byrne Trailers – represented by David Byrne
- Cummins – represented by Bryce Colville & Kaine Norman
- PACCAR Australia and the PACCAR Dealer Group – represented by Simon Graham
- Goodyear
- Lowes Petroleum
As has become tradition, we donated to a local charity in lieu of partner gifts. This year, we chose Headspace, represented at the event by Mr Lindsay Rose, Centre Manager Bendigo. Bp also kindly donated a fantastic Sandown Super Car event package, purchased at auction by Boyles Livestock Transport, with all proceeds to Headspace Bendigo.
ALRTA, Bp, Boyles and Headspace celebrate V8 Supercar auction success.
Another highlight of the evening was the cutting of a cake to help PACCAR celebrate 50 years of manufacturing in Australia. Fifty years, 60 models and more than 70,000 trucks made right here in Australia – now that is worth celebrating! COVID stopped us marking the milestone in 2021, but it couldn’t hold us back in 2022!
The team from PACCAR Australia prepare to cut the cake.
Our National and State Associations wouldn’t be the force we are without the support of our partners. We only had one night to thank them all! You can help too by supporting these excellent businesses that are supporting you. Even if you don’t normally use their products or services, please at least give our national partners an opportunity to let you know what they can do for you and to quote for your business.
HAVE YOUR SAY: IMPACT OF FTC LOSS
ALRTA is assisting ATA and the South Australian Road Transport Association to build a case for the reinstatement of the fuel tax credit (FTC). The FTC was effectively lost when the former Morrison Government halved fuel excise.
There is pressure building on the Albanese Government to extend fuel excise relief beyond the scheduled end date of 30 September. If that happens, the FTC will not return as scheduled.
Our associations are looking for evidence that trucking businesses are negatively affected by the FTC loss and may not survive an extension of the temporary rules.
If you have a few minutes, please complete the online survey via this link.
ALRTA NATIONAL OFFICER TO RETIRE
Much loved ALRTA National Officer, Colleen Mays, has announced her retirement after six years of excellent service.
Colleen joined our team in 2016 as an Office Manager but has gradually expanded her role to also include Executive Assistant, IT Projects, Events and Marketing. Her broad skills, commitment and initiative will be sorely missed.
We will formally farewell Colleen in September – but our members and partners can wish her all the best at any time!
President Scott McDonald presents flowers to Colleen Mays on behalf of ALRTA National Council.
ALRTA IS RECRUITING
ALRTA invites applications for a part-time position (22.5hrs) in our National Secretariat, based in Canberra.
The Company
The ALRTA is the national peak body for a federation of six state and territory associations which strive to improve the sustainability and profitability of road transport companies servicing the agricultural supply chain.
The Role
The role is a multi-skilled position supporting the administrative, events and marketing functions of the National Secretariat. Examples of day-to-day tasks include:
- Personal, telephone and email reception;
- Organisation of travel, coordination of meetings and event management;
- Maintenance of a member data base, contact lists, website and office systems;
- Invoicing, debt recovery and petty cash;
- Preparation of a weekly newsletter template;
- Day-to-day building management (e.g. organising repairs); and
- Day-to-day sponsorship management and associated advertising.
The successful applicant will be the first point of call for our state member associations, national sponsors and public enquiries. Occasional interstate travel is required.
Normal working hours are 9:00am – 5:30pm. Working days and times can be structured to suit an individual with private commitments.
The Applicant
The position will suit a highly organised individual with excellent oral and written communication skills who enjoys a wide variety of tasks. An enthusiastic and positive disposition is vital.
All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including recent graduates seeking an opportunity for career development. Although not essential, experience or interest in other facets of association activities may be an advantage e.g. information technology, research, policy.
Further Information
An attractive salary package based on skills and experience will be offered.
Applications close at 5pm, Friday, 2 September 2022.
More information about the ALRTA can be obtained here: www.alrta.org.au
To find out more about the specifics of the role please call the ALRTA Executive Director, Mat Munro, on 0421 082 489.
To apply click here.
MORE ABOUT HEADSPACE
ALRTA and LRTAV chose Headspace Bendigo as our 2022 Conference Charity.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. They began in 2006 and provide early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.
Each year, they help thousands of young people and their family and friends, access vital support through Headspace services in over 145 communities across Australia, through their online and phone counselling services, vocational services and presence in schools.
Below are some links for resources and information about headspace.
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
HSP10899_Annual Infographic_2021_FA01_Rebuilt_PRINT (headspace.org.au)
Online & phone support | headspace
headspace tour_final.mp4 (vimeo.com) headspace Bendigo Centre video.
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2022
LRTAWA – 3 September 2022 – Industry Day – Burswood on Swan – Perth WA – Information
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