ATA celebrates 25th anniversary

The Australian Trucking Association has celebrated 25 years of industry representation at its 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which was held on Saturday, March 21, in Hobart.

Also the culmination of the ATA's Trucking Australia 2015 conference, which was held across three venues at the city's marine precinct at Constitution Dock, the Gala Dinner gave conference delegates and the ATA itself an opportunity to reflect on its achievements over a quarter of a century.

ATA Chair Noelene Watson (pictured) paid tribute to both the organisation's founders and the body's on-going efforts.

"The Association was born at a time when our industry had no choice but to create our own destiny, lest the government and regulators of the day would have done it for us," she said.

"The progress we have made as an industry over the past 25 years bears tribute to the passion of those who invested themselves, heart and soul, into pulling the industry together under the ATA banner."

Mrs Watson said the milestone was just a small part of the ATA's ongoing journey.

"We have earned the respect of both sides of government and the regulators with a mature approach to lobbying and communication," she said.

"But we must always be ready to respond with well researched and developed policy positions.

"For that reason we look to the next generation, and the generation after that, to step up and play their part in the future of the ATA. We will continue to show grit, determination and innovation. We will continue our journey to become the safest, most professional and most viable part of the supply chain. We will strive to see the trucking industry respected as an employer of choice."

Political leaders also paid homage to the ATA, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Warren Truss and Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese each delivering a video address to the more than 400 guests in attendance.

Prime Minister Abbott voiced his appreciation of the ATA's work.

"Trucking keeps this country moving," he said.

"I pay tribute to the Australian Trucking Association; you have worked to keep this industry strong and to keep your people safe.

"About three-quarters of Australia's domestic freight is carried by a fleet of half-a-million trucks, with some 250,000 people working to ensure goods get to market and stock is on supermarket shelves.

"The Government wants your industry to be safer, stronger and more successful, and we're delivering an economic action strategy to do this."