ALRTA News – 3 May 2019

 

 

 

 

PACCAR Parts April/May 2019 catalogue is out now!
Check out their specials online (click on the picture) or visit
your local dealer.

30 DAY PAYMENT TERMS FOR VICTORIA 

A bill has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament requiring hirers to pay owner driver contractors within 30 days of receiving an undisputed invoice (unless a different payment period is agreed that is not unfair to one of the parties).

The bill also introduces new penalties ($800 for individuals and $4,000 for corporations) for hirers who fail to meet the requirements of the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2015 (ODFC), including:

  • providing a government Information Booklet;
  • providing a copy of the relevant guide Rates and Cost Schedules; and
  • establishing a written contract specifying minimum hours, income, rates and termination arrangements.

These ODFC requirements generally only apply when owner drivers are engaged for a period of at least 30 days in any three-month period.  However, the 30 day threshold does not apply to ‘tip trucks’ engaged in excavation work.

Owner drivers are defined as supplying and operating up to three vehicles.  The laws apply to contracts made in Victoria or to goods transported wholly within Victoria orto goods transported substantially within Victoria (unless the contract is already covered by Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 of NSW).

The new provisions contained in the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Amendment Bill 2019 were developed following the Inquiry into Labour Hire and Insecure Work and a review of the ODFC.

During the ODFC review, LRTAV and ALRTA representatives met with Office of the Victorian Industrial Relations Minister and lodged detailed submissions.

Importantly, the changes do not establish mandatory minimum rates.  Also, new regulations applicable to ‘tip truck drivers’ will not apply to the rural road transport sector (i.e. the 30 day engagement threshold will still apply to tip trucks in the rural supply chain).

To access the information booklet, guide rates, model contracts and code of practice click here.

TRUCKSAFE #1 FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

The trucking industry has emphasised the importance of strong animal welfare business practices, following the launch of the new TruckSafe standards and accreditation guide.

TruckSafe’s world-class business and risk management scheme provides accredited members with best-practice systems, including an animal welfare module.

“This is the only risk mitigation tool available for managing both animal welfare and heavy vehicle safety compliance,” TruckSafe Chair Ferdie Kroon said.

“The TruckSafe animal welfare module is an audited quality assurance program that covers animal welfare, food safety and traceability. It was built in consultation with supply chain and community stakeholders using international standards and hazard analysis of critical control points.

“It is focused on humane stock transportation, minimising stress, disease prevention and preventing contamination. The module is an important part of full ‘paddock to plate’ traceability for livestock,” he said.

ALRTA President Stephen Marley said the association endorses the TruckSafe animal welfare module.

“Caring for live cargos is a unique part of the rural road transport task that is under constant scrutiny by markets, governments and the community.  The TruckSafe animal welfare module is the best way for carriers to not only meet, but exceed, the requirements of the compulsory Australian Animal Welfare Standards for the Land Transport of Livestock,” Mr Marley said.

“Our members operate in full view of the public and it has never been more important to demonstrate compliance with contemporary animal welfare expectations.”

“Accredited members display a sticker on their vehicles, making it easy for the community and customers to recognise those who have best-practice animal welfare procedures in place,” Mr Marley said.

Do you meet best practice animal welfare standards? Join TruckSafe today.

CLASS 1 AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE NOTICE

More than 270 local councils have now signed up to the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019.

The notice reduces the number of designated agricultural zones from 26 to just 5, removing the need for permits in many areas.  There are now standard operating conditions within each zone and in some areas increased mass and dimension limits.

NHVR has also released an operators guide outlining key information required before moving heavy agricultural equipment.

Click here for the notice, guide and network maps.

NHVR – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Call for operators using fatigue monitoring technology

The NHVR will meet heavy vehicle operators as part of a ground-breaking study into fatigue monitoring technology.

NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said a research team was seeking expressions of interest from transport companies and manufacturers to take part in the independently-run safety project.

“We’ve asked independent research specialists to look at ways the NHVR can encourage the broader use of the different fatigue and distraction detection technology operators are already using,” Mr Blahous said.

“Operators told us at a Fatigue Safety Forum last October, that this technology has the ability to identify fatigue incidents before they occur.

“We’ll be looking to learn from existing projects such as the Queensland Trucking Association’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Around Ports program and the Smart Truck program but we see a unique opportunity for operators to contribute their experiences and make a real and positive difference to safety on our roads.”

The NHVR recently appointed a team from CQ University and HGH Consultants to work with companies currently using, or having previously used, detection technology and devices in their business.

All data will be treated confidentially and not be identifiable in analysis as belonging to the company.

“This is an opportunity for companies to be part of a broader industry pilot as the next stage of the project,” Mr Blahous said.

“The research team will ask operators to provide access to data, discussions with staff and drivers using the technology.”

Expressions of interest are due by May 21.

For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/fatigue-management/fatigue-monitoring-trial

The NHVR will also be hosting two seminars at the Brisbane Truck Show on Thursday May 16 (commencing 3:40pm) and Saturday May 18 (commencing 11:40am). For more information visit www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au/events

PRIORITIES FOR OSOM REFORM

Australian governments have agreed to implement 12 priority reforms arising from the 2018 independent review into OSOM arrangements. The review report made 38 recommendations in total.

The priority reforms are:

  • The Transport and Infrastructure Ministerial Council (TIC) to agree that safe and timely OSOM access is a reform priority.
  • TIC to direct departments to prepare a reform program.
  • NHVR to allow operators to speak directly to a case manager.
  • OSOM permits to be valid for 12 months.
  • OSOM permits to have automatic empty return.
  • The Class 1 Agricultural Notice to have 3 zones (Note: Actual outcome was 5 zones).
  • NHVR to implement Access Guidelines.
  • NHVR to improve access portal.
  • NHVR to set up project team to investigate technology solutions to better manage movement data.
  • NHVR and road managers to identify pinch points and include portal and mapping tools.
  • Certain parts of the HVNL to be reformed.
  • Agencies to identify best-practice with a view to delivering a 48hr (on average) permit turnaround by 2021.

Where appropriate, ALRTA will work with agencies to assist in progressing these priority reforms.

TRUCKIE TIPS FOR LIGHT VEHICLE DRIVERS 

Whiteline Television and Rod Hannifey have teamed up to develop a series of videos to educate light vehicle drivers about sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

Check out the Truckie Top 10 Tips here.

MORE TRUCK REST AREAS NEEDED

More rest areas and improved facilities are urgently needed on Australia’s roads, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has said.

The ATA represents the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry.

In this election campaign, the ATA is calling for new, more frequent and better rest areas that meet the needs of the trucking industry.

“Truck drivers must meet legal fatigue requirements and make use of truck rest areas to meet their obligations. This is not optional,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.

“Our roads and rest areas are a driver’s workplace, so it’s critical they are provided with appropriate facilities to ensure a safe journey.

“There are not enough rest areas on our roads and many are in shocking condition,” he said.

Mr Maguire said too many rest areas do not even include basic amenities like toilets, lights, water and shade.

“It’s simply not good enough,” he said.

The ATA has today released social media videos with the Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety Glenn Sterle, Liberal Senator Jim Molan and Centre Alliance Senate candidate Skye Kakoschke-Moore about their views on the need for improved and more frequent heavy vehicle rest areas.

“The next government needs to listen and take action,” Mr Maguire said.

Centre Alliance Senate Candidate Skye Kakoschke-Moore said all politicians should take heed, and that decisions shouldn’t be made for people, but with people.

“What are you supposed to do if you’re in the middle of nowhere and the rest stop is not accessible because it’s full or has been washed out? Real-life examples really need to be fed back into the policy makers,” she said.

Senator Glenn Sterle said he would, if Labor was elected, take action.

“I can guarantee you; part of my responsibility will be to have a connection with the trucking industry so we all have a voice in Canberra,” he said.

Senator Jim Molan said he can already see government investment in truck rest area projects.

“Spending is occurring on projects to both improve safety for sleeping and productivity for decoupling and parking,” he said.

Mr Maguire said while there has been boosted investment recently, there still needs to be more.

View the Cabover Cabinet videos

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM

LRTASA and ALRTA cordially invite you to attend our 2019 combined state-national conference.

The event will be held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 14-15 June 2019.

The program kicks off on Friday 14 June with 9 holes of golf followed by our National Sponsors Cocktail Reception.

The official opening and formal conference sessions will begin on Saturday morning.

This year we will be focusing on:

  • Review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law: including access, fatigue, enforcement, technology, accreditation and the future of concessional schemes (Grain and Livestock).
  • State Opportunities and Challenges: a closer look at the opportunities and challenges for resolving access, safety and productivity issues in South Australia.
  • National Projects: focussing on how the ALRTA and LRTASA are working together on major projects to establish roadside effluent disposal facilities, develop a code of practice, trial user-pay unloading frames and establish an enforceable national ramp standard.
  • Implications of the 2019 Federal Election: Depending on the 18 May 2019 election result, the road transport sector could be facing sweeping changes to payment rates, contract conditions and access to live export markets.

The conference will conclude on Saturday evening with a gala dinner and fundraising auction.

The first-rate program will also include keynote speakers, awards, trade show, special announcements, roving street magician, juke box, lolly bar, food and drinks!

Look out for registration information soon!

TICKETS ON SALE FOR NTI’S “Roxanne”

Tickets available online at www.nti.com.au/ntimnd for “Roxanne.”

BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW 16-19 MAY 2019

Members and guests are invited to visit the ALRTA and our state association representatives at the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show.
You can find us at booth 3, located in the foyer area of the ‘Industry Hub’.