ALRTA News – 1 May 2020

NTI
PROUD NATIONAL SPONSOR ALRTA

As Australia’s leading specialist in transport and logistics insurance, we see the effects that the ongoing uncertainty from coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on businesses and families.  We congratulate the transport and logistics operators who are working tirelessly to ensure medical supplies, groceries and more are reaching their destinations across the country – be assured we will continue to support you.

Whilst a majority of our workforce are remote working, to us there is no change to how we deliver to the industry. As the trusted, reliable and experienced specialist, NTI is here to support you in the way we know best – through action,flexibility and empathy.

We’ve put a range of initiatives into immediate effect:

  • We’re making it easier for policy holders to adapt to these difficult times.  If your vehicles have to deviate routes or work outside of usual radius limits, let your broker/authorised representative know if you can, but we will provide cover.
  • As always, Laid Up Cover is available to support customers with vehicles or equipment that aren’t currently operating.  Talk to you broker or authorised representative.
  • You can trust in the strength of our manufacturer relationships and the internal expertise of our Parts Specialists.  We’re in constant contact with vehicle and equipment manufacturers and dealerships to ensure we maintain our market-leading access to replacement parts from the original manufacturers.
  • Our in-house team of Repair Managers are fully equipped and experienced in conducting virtual assessments using smartphones, tablets and more.  It’s full steam ahead to ensure there are minimal impacts to assessments and repairs!
  • Our NTI Accident Assist service 1800 NTI NOW will continue to operate 24/7 365 days to support you and your business
  • We continue to work with the ATA and the member organisations as well as the HVIA and ALC to keep this industry moving at such an important time. 

We’re committed to offering these initiatives until 1st July 2020, but will look to extend beyond this date if appropriate.

Stay safe and continue to look after each other during this time.

ALRTA APPLAUDS FEDERAL CHARGING DECISION

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Australia (ALRTA) has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to freeze the heavy vehicle Road User Charge (RUC). The decision means that the RUC will remain at 25.8 cents per litre instead of increasing by 2.5 per cent on 1 July 2020.
 
ALRTA National President Stephen said the decision was welcome news for all Australian businesses and consumers.

“Over the past 12 months the Australian economy and community has been pummelled by crisis after crisis including drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19,” said President Marley.

“During these difficult times Australian Governments, businesses and consumers more keenly recognise the essential role of the road freight sector in delivering vital supplies including medicines, fuel, food, drinks, personal consumables, stock feed and water. Trucks not only help us through crises, they help us rebuild afterwards.”

“The Federal Government decision to freeze the Road User Charge will keep road transport costs to a minimum over the next twelve months. This will in turn help support millions of Australian businesses and households during the COVID-19 recovery phase. An increased tax on trucks would have been an increased tax on everyone.”

“I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, for regularly consulting with ALRTA during the bushfires and COVID-19 response and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon Scott Buchholz MP, who has taken a keen interest in the impact of heavy vehicle charging decisions in regional Australia. These two leaders have championed a sensible and pragmatic decision at a time when government revenue is also under threat.”

“During the period 2014 – 2019 our industry was over charged more than $1b. If ever there was a time to rebuild trust by giving some of it back, now is that time. The Federal Government decision to freeze the Road User Charge should be a wake-up call to State Governments who are still considering a 2.5 percent increase in heavy vehicle registration charges to apply from 1 July 2020.”  

“I call on all State Governments to similarly freeze heavy vehicle registration charges,” he said.
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Australia (ALRTA) has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to freeze the heavy vehicle Road User Charge (RUC). The decision means that the RUC will remain at 25.8 cents per litre instead of increasing by 2.5 per cent on 1 July 2020.

ALRTA National President Stephen said the decision was welcome news for all Australian businesses and consumers.

“Over the past 12 months the Australian economy and community has been pummelled by crisis after crisis including drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19,” said President Marley.

“During these difficult times Australian Governments, businesses and consumers more keenly recognise the essential role of the road freight sector in delivering vital supplies including medicines, fuel, food, drinks, personal consumables, stock feed and water. Trucks not only help us through crises, they help us rebuild afterwards.”

“The Federal Government decision to freeze the Road User Charge will keep road transport costs to a minimum over the next twelve months. This will in turn help support millions of Australian businesses and households during the COVID-19 recovery phase. An increased tax on trucks would have been an increased tax on everyone.”

“I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, for regularly consulting with ALRTA during the bushfires and COVID-19 response and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon Scott Buchholz MP, who has taken a keen interest in the impact of heavy vehicle charging decisions in regional Australia. These two leaders have championed a sensible and pragmatic decision at a time when government revenue is also under threat.”

“During the period 2014 – 2019 our industry was over charged more than $1b. If ever there was a time to rebuild trust by giving some of it back, now is that time. The Federal Government decision to freeze the Road User Charge should be a wake-up call to State Governments who are still considering a 2.5 percent increase in heavy vehicle registration charges to apply from 1 July 2020.”  

“I call on all State Governments to similarly freeze heavy vehicle registration charges,” he said.

CHANGES TO MODERN AWARDS

On 4 May 2020 the current local and long distance modern awards will be discontinued and replaced with the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 and Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2020.
 
The new awards have been established as part of the four yearly review process and take account of all previous amendments. There are several changes, the biggest of which is that the grading system has been aligned across both awards.
 
Members may wish to consider the impact on your workplace and seek professional advice if necessary.

STERLE CALLS FOR ACTION OF FUEL PRICES

The Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety, Senator Glenn Sterle, has called on the Federal Government to act on diesel prices for the transport industry.  
 
Read Senator Sterle’s media statement here.

COVID-19 NOT SPREAD BY ANIMALS

The World Organisation for Animal Health advises that currently there is no evidence to suggest that animals infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19. The current spread of COVID-19 is driven by human to human transmission. There have been no reports of the virus in domestic animals or wildlife in Australia.
 
The Animal Health Australia (AHA) webpage, https://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/covid19/  provides links to the following information:

  • Information from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
  • Jurisdictional updates
  • Livestock industry updates
  • Information for livestock producers and pet owners
  • Food safety
  • Availability of agvet chemicals
  • Support services
  • Mental health
  • Financial resources
  • Useful links

 Also, you can contact the National Coronavirus Helpline – for information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 1800 020 080

COVID-19 CRISIS IN USA MEAT WORKS

An interesting article appeared in CNN this week about why USA meat works are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. To read more click here.

TRUCK BIOSECURITY TENDER

Australian Pork Limited has released a Call for Tender for the following five projects:

  • Project 1: To create and validate best practice truck biosecurity and disinfection guidelines with practical application at export abattoirs
  • Project 2: Practical on-farm decontamination guidelines after an exotic disease outbreak
  • Project 3: Mass disposal on-farm in the event of an exotic disease outbreak
  • Project 4: Mass herd euthanasia on-farm in the event of an exotic disease outbreak
  • Project 5: To create and validate antimicrobial stewardship resources with practical application for on-farm pig management practices

 If you are interested in submitting a proposal relevant to any of these projects further detail relating to each is provided in the attached document. All proposals must be received through https://pigconnect.australianpork.com.au/ by 5pm Friday 14 May 2020.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING AT WORK

OzHelp is a leading provider of workplace wellbeing programs specialising in mental health and suicide prevention.

OzHelp’s evidence-based, proactive health and wellbeing programs are designed to assist employers to create mentally healthy workplaces by supporting individuals to achieve and maintain their best possible health and wellbeing.

Accredited under the National Standards for Mental Health Services, OzHelp is leading the sector in innovation and has been selected by the Federal Department of Health to deliver the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Strategy.

For more information click here.

$12M ROAD SAFETY INNOVATION FUND

Applications for Round 1 of the Australian Government’s $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund now open.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would provide grants for road safety research and technology development to improve safety outcomes across the nation.

“The Australian Government takes road safety seriously, because one death or one crash on our roads is one too many,” Mr McCormack said.
“Innovation is key to supporting the Safe System approach to improving road safety and making safety front of mind for all road users.
“The fund will target innovating projects addressing priority areas including improving road safety in regional and remote areas, reducing driver distraction and drug driving and supporting better safety outcomes for vulnerable road users.

“I look forward to announcing successful initiatives to be funded under Round 1 of the Road Safety Innovation Fund in the coming months and seeing critical safety-improving projects get under way soon after.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz urged any organisations with an interest in road safety research and technology development to apply for funding to help make a difference to the lives of all Australians.

“Potential projects can include innovation in road safety management initiatives, new technologies and delivery techniques or research that better informs policy development and outcomes,” Mr Buchholz said.

“The first round of the Road Safety Innovation Fund has $2 million available to fund projects across the country over the next four years.

For further information, including application guidelines and submissions, for the $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund are available at www.grants.gov.au 

ATA AND HVIA SEEK EXTENSION TO INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

A conditional extension to the Instant Asset Write Off scheme will provide a once in a generation opportunity to improve road safety outcomes and productivity all whilst stimulating the economy and saving jobs.   

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) have put the case to the Australian Government in a joint letter, requesting an extension to the Instant Asset Write Off scheme incentives announced during the Government’s first wave of stimulus measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said both organisations had strong policy positions in relation to improving heavy vehicle safety.   
“We believe that any increased asset threshold for heavy vehicles should only be available to purchases that have accompanying safety and productivity benefits,” Mr Hacking said.   

The temporary changes to the Instant Asset Write Off announced in early March extended the available instant asset write off from $30,000 to $150,000 but is due to expire on 30 June 2020.   

The letter proposes a revised scheme with an extension until 31 December 2020 and an increased threshold.   

The letter explains that transport operators are continuing to express nervousness to spending on capital equipment.   

“More than 90 per cent of purchases in our industry are financed, so ensuring transport operators can get access to capital is an important aspect of equipment purchases,” ATA Chief Executive Mr Ben Maguire said.   

“This will only be possible once the economy is in recovery mode and operators are trading as normal.   

“Most of the fleet is held by small enterprises – and they were not able to use the stimulus before the pandemic hit.”   

Mr Hacking said the scheme and the accompanying 50 per cent bonus depreciation schedule had less than 10 days from their announcement to the dramatic escalation of the pandemic.   

“In order to kickstart the economy and increase business confidence the Instant Asset Write Off extension needs to be extended until at least 31 December 2020,” Mr Hacking said.   

“Our survey results show that operators and manufacturers did not have time to utilise the stimulus.”   

Mr Maguire says that also increasing the limit for truck purchases would have the dual benefit of positively altering the age of the fleet.   

“The ATA has suggested a threshold of $450,000 as this would ensure 100 per cent deductibility for most – if not all heavy-duty trucks in Australia,” Mr Maguire said.   

Mr Hacking said HVIA supported the higher threshold subject to conditional eligibility.   

“We believe that our proposed eligibility criteria for the extended incentives, conditional on safety features, provides the opportunity for the biggest increase in safety and productivity in Australian heavy vehicle history,” he said.   

“HVIA and the ATA have consulted with National Transport Insurance (NTI) who are supporters and partners of both organisations,” Mr Maguire said.   

“We have identified the features which would lead to the highest increase in safety outcomes according to their research.  

“We fundamentally believe this would be a massive win – not only for the economy – but for the broader community as well.”     

Extending the eligible asset threshold for heavy vehicles

Trucks  Trailers
Any three of the followingAny two of the following
Anti-lock braking system Anti-lock braking system
Electronic braking system  Electronic braking system 
Autonomous emergency braking  Certified road friendly suspension
Driver attention monitoring  TPMS/CTIS
Lane departure warning  
Front blind spot mirror/sensor   

CRAZY TRUCK DRIVER

A truck driver stopped for a meal at a BP truck stop and had just been served when a huge caravan of Hells Angels roared in. As the gang entered the restaurant, everyone but the truck driver quickly paid their bills and left. The truck driver quietly sat there eating his steak.

The leader of the Hells Angels marched in and sat by the truckie at the bar, reached over and took his plate and began to eat the steak. Still unruffled, the truckie sat there quietly and drank his coffee. This infuriated the gang leader who grabbed the coffee and poured it on the truckie’s head. Calmly the truckie wiped his head and walked to the cashier. Amid jears and insults from the gang the truckie paid his bill and left.

When the waitress came to take their order, the gang leader remarked, “Boy, that guy wasn’t much of a man was he. I stole his steak, called his mother a so and so, and even poured coffee on his head. And the whimp, he just walked away.”

The waitress replied, “Yea, I guess your right. You really scared him. He must have run over about forty motorcycles trying to get out of the parking lot, but he just kept on going.”

ALRTA STAFF AVAILABILITY AMIDST COVID19

From 24 March 2020 the ALRTA staff – Mathew, Sue, Colleen and Jack are working from home amidst COVID-19.

Please email office@alrta.org.au or call Colleen on the ALRTA mobile 0490 515 681 or Mathew (ED) on 0421 082 489.

UPDATE ON EVENTS FOR 2020

LRTAQ (QLD) on 19-21 March 2020 at Roma QLD. – POSTPONED
LTAT (TAS) on 2 May 2020 in Hobart TAS. – POSTPONED
LRTASA (SA)on 12-13 June 2020 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre SA. – CANCELLED
LRTAWA/ALRTA (WA & National) on 24-25 July 2020. Perth WA.- POSTPONED until further notice
LRTAV (VIC) on 14-15 August 2020 at All Seasons Resort Bendigo VIC – POSTPONED