ALRTA News – 27 May 2022

CUMMINS X15
EURO V1: READY WHEN YOU ARE

Improvements made to the X15 lineup have been focused around your needs. It’s more than just providing the most efficient engine that meets Euro VI standards. It’s also about providing an engine that works for you. With a focus on uptime, fuel economy, performance and minimising maintenance cost, the X15 lineup is the best it’s ever been. 

For more information visit Cummins.com

CUMMINS is proud to be an ALRTA National Partner.

2022 FEDERAL ELECTION: LABOR WINS. SO WHAT NOW?

Australians have changed the Government. Anthony Albanese is our 31st Prime Minister. The policy mandate is clear. More will be done on climate, anti-corruption and cost of living.
 
So, what does that mean for rural transport?
 
A Labor Government will be focussed on improving workplace health and safety. With an Australian ramp standard now in place, ALRTA will look to accelerate safety improvements in the livestock supply chain. 
 
Labor Governments invest in nation-building road infrastructure. We have asked Labor to match the Coalition’s $678m commitment to the Outback Way and $400m for the Inland Freight Route. 
 
In 2021, Labor Senator Glenn Sterle oversaw an inquiry that recommended:

  • a plan and funding mechanism for managed livestock effluent disposal sites; and
  • a national fund for freight roads in rural and regional areas to support low-cost safety infrastructure such as rumble strips, green reflectors, wider medians and improved road shoulders.

ALRTA is strongly supportive of these recommendations and will push for implementation. Labor has already committed an additional $80m for rest areas.
 
ALRTA is also optimistic that a Federal Labor Government will support a better Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). This will improve road safety as well as address cost of living pressures through more efficient freight movements.
 
However, it’s not all rosy.
 
Federal Labor has openly committed to phasing out live sheep exports.  While opposed to this policy, ALRTA will work with Labor to establish a sensible transition plan, pitching a structural adjustment package for affected operators as necessary.
 
Federal Labor has also committed to re-establishing a mechanism for regulating pay and conditions for owner-drivers. If this is going to happen again, it must be done right. ALRTA will do all we can to avoid a two-tiered freight market that discriminates against owner drivers.
 
And we must not forget that Labor has been elected on a climate change mandate. Transport remains one of the most significant carbon emitters and so we must expect new regulation aimed at our sector. ALRTA will be promoting a ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approach.
 
All in all, a change of Federal Government brings with it both threats and opportunities. Our new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has previously served as Minister and/or Shadow Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government – and ALRTA has met with Albo many times in these capacities. You can be sure that ALRTA will proactively engage with Federal Labor in pursuit of the best outcomes for our vital industry.

ALRTA ATTENDS LBRCA CONFERENCE

ALRTA President Scott McDonald and ALRTA Executive Director Mat Munro are presenting at the LBRCA conference in Wagga Wagga NSW this weekend. It was great to catch up with members and partners at the Thursday night welcome function and the Friday conference sessions have been very well attended.

Look out for a full wrap up in the LBRCA Newsletter next week.


NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway MLC, opens the LBRCA Conference. 


ALRTA President Scott McDonald (centre) with Keryn Hand and Lachlan Miller of Goodyear. 


LBRCA’s Di Peisely (centre) with Michael Bennett and Greg Corrie of bp.

LRTAV PRESIDENT & NTI @  SUPERCARS

LRTAV President Russell Borchard attended the Winton Supercars event last weekend on the invitation of our national partner NTI. Russell had a great time – as always happens with the revved up team at NTI!

TASMANIAN AG & HORTICULTURE DRAFT CODE PUBLISHED

The NHVR is seeking public feedback on the draft Tasmanian Agricultural and Horticultural Industry Code of Practice.

Recognising that farming is more than just an occupation but a way of life with its own unique challenges and pressures, this Code highlights the specific hazards and risks around heavy vehicle use within Tasmania’s farming industry – including fatigue, overloading and loss of load – and suggests ways to eliminate or minimise those risks.

The Code was sponsored by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association with funding from the Tasmanian Government and assistance from the NHVR.

If you’re an agricultural or horticultural business or operator, we encourage you to have your say. Your feedback ensures the CoP is relevant and useful to your industry.

Read the draft Tasmanian Agricultural and Horticultural Industry Code of Practice and find out how to submit your feedback.



Feedback should be provided to the NHVR by no later than Friday, 10 June 2022.

LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

 Have you spotted anything unusual?
 
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has been detected in countries close to Australia, including Indonesia.
 
This week Animal Health Australia reminded livestock producers to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout. How can you help?
• Know the signs to look out for.
• Ensure your biosecurity plan is up-to date and equipped for an outbreak.
• Learn the impacts that may affect you in the instance of an outbreak.
For more information visit https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/lumpy-skin-disease/
 


You can call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY TO 3 JUNE

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year and saw unprecedented response to suggested actions for everyday and for braver action.
 
This year  they’re asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June—is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week.

AFM – IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is not about pushing drivers to drive for longer… it’s about providing drivers with optimised schedules that mean they can rest when they’re tired and drive when they’re not.

NHVR is offering free one-on-one consultation about AFM.

You do not need to pay an expensive consultant to help you get AFM as NHVR has a range of resources to help you understand the requirements.

Find out more by registering for a free one-on-one consultation to discuss whether AFM may be right for you. https://bit.ly/3w6177D.

FATALITY FREE FRIDAY 

Today is #FatalityFreeFriday
 
It’s an opportunity for all of us as road users to show that a focus on the road, and the right choices can prevent crashes.
 
Every road user has a responsibility to save families, friends and communities the heartache of losing a loved one.  #ChooseRoadSafety today, and every day afterwards.
 
Live the pledge: arsf.com.au

Be the change you want to see on the road

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2022

LRTASA  (SA) -17-18 June 2022 – Adelaide SA – Registration
LRTAWA (WA) – 6 August 2022 – Industry Day – Burswood on Swan – Perth WA
ALRTA/LRTAV National Combined Conference -12-13 August 2022 – All Seasons Bendigo VIC – Information