ALRTA News – 28 May 2023



THANK YOU ALRTA NATIONAL PARTNER CUMMINS

For more information visit Cummins.com

NATIONAL INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF ANIMAL WELFARE MOVES A STEP CLOSER

The Albanese Labor Government has introduced a bill into the Federal Parliament to establish an Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports. 
 
The Bill proposes:

  • expanding the current office of the Inspector-General for Live Animal Exports to provide an enhanced focus on animal welfare and to rename it as the ‘Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports’ (the Inspector-General).
  • expanding the objects in the Act to enable monitoring, investigation and reporting on the implementation of animal welfare and live animal exports legislation and standards in relation to livestock exports.
  • expanding the functions of the Inspector-General’s office to provide that the Inspector-General may review the effectiveness of Commonwealth administrative systems, the effectiveness of Commonwealth reporting, relating to animal welfare and livestock exports and the review and development of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL).
  • providing that the office of the Inspector-General is independent and has complete discretion in the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers, and is not subject to direction by any person other than as provided for in the Act.
  • requiring the Inspector-General to undertake a particular review if the Minister directs it in writing (the Inspector-General would have complete discretion regarding how the review is undertaken and its findings).
  • clarifying administrative arrangements such as publication of an annual work plan, persons assisting the Inspector-General and the engagement of consultants.

ALRTA previously lodged a submission in response to a consultation paper. While ALRTA called for a broader role for the Inspector-General to proactively improve animal welfare standards, it seems its main function will simply be to review the conduct of certain kinds of government ‘livestock export’ officials and to publish a report on each review.

ALRTA CONSIDERS ‘EMPLOYEE-LIKE’ WORK

Over the past few weeks, ALRTA has been actively considering government proposals relating to ‘employee-like’ work arrangements and independent contractors. We have twice met with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, held an online member forum, invited Senator Glenn Sterle to address our National Council and participated in an ATA policy forum.
 
We are currently drafting a formal submission and will meet again in an open forum with Senator Sterle this week.

NHVR LAUNCHES MASTER CODE REVIEW

Industry and its stakeholders are being asked to have input to the review of the Master Code of Practice.

The Master Code was registered by the NHVR in November 2018 as a general code that applies to the whole of the heavy vehicle industry. It provides information for parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) about hazards and risks which may arise from their heavy vehicle transport activities, and the control measures they can use to reduce those risks.

The review provides the opportunity to industry to give detailed feedback about the content of the existing Master Code, including those hazards, risks, or controls that should be added, replaced, or edited.

For more information about the Master Code review see the NHVR website

REPORT A SCAMMER TO 7226

Telstra customers can now join the fight against scammers by reporting SMS and MMS scams (like the one below) to a national phone number.


Simply forward SMS and MMS scams to 7226 (SCAM) and help Telstra better protect millions of Australians from receiving harmful SMS/MMS messages that may attempt to trick them into providing their personal information, credit cards, or downloading malicious apps. Telstra won’t send you a reply message and you won’t be charged for sending this SMS.

For more information about Telstra’s initiative, including step by step instructions for iPhone and Android phones see  https://exchange.telstra.com.au/7226-scam-sms-reporting/

‘TRAVEL SAFE’ THIS TAX TIME

Tax time is right around the corner. If you are not sure what deductions you can and can’t claim, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have shared a range of tips and resources to help make tax time simple.

Check out the ATO’s tailored occupation guide for truck drivers to know what you can and can’t claim.

You can also Download the ATO app and use the myDeductions tool for a fast and easy way to store your receipts and keep track of your records.

The best time to lodge is from late July. Visit ato.gov.au/truckdrivers to learn more.

REMINDER: ALRTA IS RECRUITING

ALRTA invites applications for a full-time Executive Director position.

Reporting to the National President and Council, the Executive Director leads the Canberra-based National Secretariat in delivering strategic priorities determined by association members. 
 
Examples of day-to-day tasks include:

  • Research, policy development and formal submission writing;
  • Stakeholder liaison, media and communications;
  • Meeting agendas and papers;
  • Finance and budget;
  • Governance support;
  • Strategic planning;
  • Staff management;
  • Sponsor management;
  • Project oversight;
  • Property and leasing; and
  • Event planning.

Availability for interstate travel and an ability to speak confidently in public are core requirements. A knowledge of transport, agriculture, government processes, politics, law, economics and/or industry associations would be advantageous.
 
To view to full ad and to apply, click here.  Applications are due by midnight, Friday 2 June 2023. 

ALRTA NATIONAL COUNCIL

ALRTA National Council will meet via video link on 14 June 2023.
 
For more information please contact the ALRTA Secretariat via office@alrta.org.au

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2023

  • LRTASA – 16-17 June 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, ADELAIDE SA
  • LRTAWA/NATIONAL Combined Conference – 4-5 August 2023 – Abbey Beach Resort, BUSSELTON WA
  • LRTAV – 11-12 August 2023 – Mercure, BALLARAT VIC
  • LRTAQ – 28-29 September 2023 – The Ville Resort, TOWNSVILLE – QLD

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2024

  • LBRCA – 23-24 February 2024 – WAGGA WAGGA NSW