THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSOR
NTI
NTI are proud National Sponsors of the ALRTA.
2021 NATIONAL CONFERENCE: REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
ALRTA and LTAT are pleased to announce that registrations for our Combined 2021 National-State Conference are now open. The event will be livestreamed from Wrest Point, Hobart, Tasmania from 9am – 1pm, Saturday 23 October 2021. 
There are three ways that you can attend:
- register to attend in person;
- livestream the event for FREE from your computer or mobile device; or
- get FREE future access to the full conference recording.
The first 40 online registrations will receive a ‘Flavours of Tasmania’ participant pack in the mail prior to the conference (one per mailing address). If you can’t be there in person, why not transport your tastebuds to Tasmania instead? Each pack will contain a treat for morning tea, snacks for your afternoon and even a little something for after you knock off 😉.
Those able to attend the event in person are also invited to the Tasmanian Trucking Association Gala Dinner later in the evening.
The conference program will include keynote addresses from the Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon. Scott Buchholz MP, and Federal Member for Braddon, Mr Gavin Pearce MP, along with presentations from NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, NTC Executive Leader of Regulatory Reform, Aaron do Rozario and ALRTA Executive Director, Mat Munro.
Scott Buchholz Gavin Pearce
Other speakers will cover topics including skills shortages, infrastructure, access, truck washes, effluent disposal, ramp standards, braking technologies and mental health.
The conference will include opportunities for all participants to ask questions and participate in our online fundraising auction.
So, what are you waiting for? Remember, online registrations are FREE and only the first 40 registrations will receive the FREE Flavours of Tasmania Participant Pack.
ALRTA HAILS INSURANCE WIN
The trucking industry has secured an important exemption from new rules for add-on insurance that will help the industry and its customers.
The new rules prohibit the sale of add-on insurance for at least four days after a customer has purchased a product or service. But add-on transport and delivery insurance, including insurance for storage along the way, will be exempt.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), and Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) the welcomed the confirmation of the exemption.
ATA CEO Michael Deegan said that the exemption was a win for common sense, and thanked Treasurer Josh Frydenberg for his consultation and listening to industry.
“Consumers need to be protected from unscrupulous businesses. At the same time, this must be achieved in a way that optimises choice, minimises red tape, and does not impede efficient freight flow or induce good businesses to take unnecessary risks,” Mr Deegan said.
“After considering the implications of restricted availability of add on insurance products, our members argued strongly for an exemption, and having sought sound legal advice, we also recommended that the draft exemption be extended to cover incidental storage that may occur as part of the transport task.
ALRTA Executive Director Mat Munro said that the exemption accommodated the practical needs of the livestock supply chain,
Photo (L-R):Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Mat Munro.
“Our member carriers often move livestock at short notice and may need to unload and ‘spell’ animals during the journey to manage driver fatigue and animal welfare,” Mr Munro said.
“In these circumstances, carriers may require add-on transport and incidental storage insurance which must be arranged at the same time as accepting the load. Livestock sold under auction conditions is particularly problematic because neither the owner, value or destination are known prior to sale.
“This exemption will ensure that carriers are able to obtain add-on insurance quickly and easily. Choice is maintained and freight will not be delayed. When you are moving live animals, you simply cannot wait four days to acquire an appropriate add-on insurance product,” he said.
AFRA Executive Director Simone Hill said the regulations were a win for removals clients, and AFRA were pleased to see this practical and workable outcome.
“Moving can be a fraught experience, a time of upheaval and change. During a move, a client’s entire world of personal and household belongings is shipped from one place to another,” Ms Hill said.
“Should anything happen to those items due to disaster or mishap, it is imperative for a person’s financial and mental wellbeing that they are adequately insured.
“These regulations ensure moving clients can secure appropriate financial protection, and in turn peace of mind when moving,” she said.
The Australian Government is introducing what is called the deferred sales model in response to a recommendation of the Financial Services Royal Commission. The new rules come into force on 5 October 2021.
COVID UPDATES
South Australia
From Monday 27 September, all commercial transport and freight essential travellers arriving from NSW, ACT, VIC and parts of QLD must have evidence of at least one TGA approved COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter South Australia.
SA has also introduced a new provision requiring persons entering from NSW, ACT, VIC and parts of QLD to provide evidence of a negative PCR test in the prior 72hrs or they will be directed to undertake a point-of-care antigen test/or a COVID-19 test within 12hrs.
Victoria
From Thursday 23 September, freight workers with Specified Worker (Multiple Entry) Permits crossing into Victoria must have had a first vaccine dose. However, until Thursday, 7 October, permits holders can alternatively show evidence of a vaccine booking.
Freight workers with Specified Worker (Multiple Entry) Permits receive priority bookings for free COVID-19 vaccinations, even if they are not a Victorian resident.
Permit holders must call 1800 675 398 to book in at any state vaccination centre and advise the operator that you are a Commercial Freight Worker for a priority booking.
Permit holders that have been to an extreme risk / red zone in the past 14 days must book into a red zone clinic for their vaccination.
Red zone clinics are located at:
- Melbourne Showgrounds
- Sunshine
- Sandown Racecourse
- Ford Campbellfield
- Wangaratta
Learn more about booking vaccinations.
Queensland
ALRTA is expecting the announcement of new Queensland protocols that will include the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, but with a longer lead time to obtain a first jab. It is likely that the new QLD protocols will at the same time rebalance requirements relating to border passes, testing periods, masks and isolation while working.
Vaccinations and Your Workplace
Businesses play a vital role in helping to support staff in getting the COVID-19 vaccine. To assist our members, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has developed a guide to help you and your business navigate the vaccine rollout in the ever-changing landscape. Our association has access to the guide because of our membership of the Australian Trucking Association.
The guide aims to help you understand how to communicate about the vaccine, what your obligations are when it comes to vaccinations for your staff and answers some common questions you may have around the vaccine and its impact on workers and the workplace.
Download the guide here.
More Information
For the latest summary of border rules and testing sites click here.
MODIFICATIONS TO TIPPER BODIES
The NHVR has recently drafted a new Modification Code for the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 6: National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications.
Key changes proposed include:
- Fitting of non-standard rear wheel components: Simplification of the certification process, including allowing Approved Vehicle Examiners to certify without applying to NHVR.
- In-Service Emission Testing – Portable Emissions Measuring System Equipment: Allowing cheaper and quicker portable testing systems to be used as an alternative to current testing requirements.
NHVR also advises of consultations on tipper truck hoisting systems and delays in implementing modification codes for front underrun protection.
ALRTA is considering these proposals in consultation with the ATA Technical & Maintenance Committee. Interested members can find more information here. Please contact the ALRTA or your State Member Association if you wish to comment.
Consultation closes on 19 October 2021.
ATA THANKS OUTGOING TRUCKSAFE CHAIR
The Australian Trucking Association has thanked TruckSafe Chair Ferdie Kroon for his services to TruckSafe and the industry, following his resignation from the board.
By industry, for industry, TruckSafe is an award-winning business and risk management system improving the safety and professionalism of trucking operators nationwide. It is recognised for its comprehensive industry safety standards, including a robust third-party auditing system.
“A passionate industry and safety advocate, Ferdie was first elected to the role in 2017. In his time as TruckSafe Chair, he led TruckSafe to achieve great things,” ATA Chair David Smith said.
“Ferdie oversaw the updating of TruckSafe’s standards to align with the industry Master Code and led the scheme to win two National Road Safety Awards in 2020.
“Ferdie’s efforts and leadership is recognised across the industry. On behalf of the ATA, TruckSafe and the wider community, I thank Ferdie for his service,” he said.
TruckSafe director and operator of Fellows Bulk Transport, Paul Fellows, has been appointed as Interim Chair.
“Ferdie has been an outstanding chair and an active member of the TruckSafe board for many years. I am very honoured to be appointed as Interim Chair,” Mr Fellows said.
“Our board is made up of people who have donated their time and energy to improving the safety and professionalism of the industry, as well as the health and wellbeing of our dedicated staff.”
Mr Fellows said he was looking forward to applying his on-the-road experience to the role.
“I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to continue driving B-doubles in my company on a backup basis. This gives me the ability to know first-hand what is going on and to bring this information into the boardroom,” he said.
WOMEN & LEADERSHIP AUSTRALIA
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is currently offering professional development scholarships for the ALRTA staff and members.
Scholarships of $1000-$5000 per person are open to women across all areas and are available for women in the transport and logistics sector.
To encourage more women to step into leadership roles across the transport and logistics sector, WLA is offering scholarships for three leadership development courses.
Apply by 30 November 2021. FIND OUT MORE.
TRANSPORT WOMEN AUSTRALIA
Transport Women Australia Limited and Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific are calling for applications for a new round of Driving the Difference scholarships.
The Daimler-backed Driving the Difference initiative enables Transport Women Australia Limited to offer scholarships to six women this year.
Applications open on 20 September 2021 and close on 29 October 2021. Scholarship recipients will be announced on 16 November 2021.
For more information about the Driving the Difference Scholarship program contact Jacquelene Brotherton chair@transportwomen.com.au or 0417422319.
MORE INFORMATION & MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY FUNNY
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2021 & 2022
LTAT/National Combined Conference – Hobart & Online – 23 October 2021 – REGISTER NOW
LBRCA Conference – Wagga Wagga NSW – 10-12 February 2022 – Registration
LRTAQ Conference – Sunshine Coast – 4-5 March 2022
You must be logged in to post a comment.