Trucking industry gets new friends in Canberra

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) have today welcomed the establishment of a new Parliamentary Friends forum that will allow federal MPs and Senators to work more closely with the road transport and heavy vehicle industries.

Chaired by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino and Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety Glenn Sterle, Parliamentary Friends of Trucks, Trailers, Transport and Logistics (PFTTTL) is a non-partisan forum for MP's and Senators to meet and interact with representatives of the transport industry.

The group will focus on priorities to make a safer, more productive and environmentally sustainable heavy vehicle industry.

“The trucking industry is essential to Australia’s economy and day-to-day life. We are the ones who put food on the supermarket shelves and fuel in the service station bowser,” ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the establishment of this important group and look forward to working with the engaged ministers and encourage discussion to focus on issues key to industry such as maximising productivity, raising the industry’s profile, solving the skills deficit and improving road safety,” he said.

HVIA President John Drake said it was very encouraging to see Australia’s politicians understand the importance of the trucking industry and their willingness to engage on important issues.

“This is an unrivalled opportunity for the industry to speak with a shared voice and to raise the profile of our amazing industry with decision-makers in the Federal Parliament,” Mr Drake said.

“We thank and acknowledge Chairs Marino and Sterle for their hard work in establishing the PFTTTL and look forward to working with all of the members of the group to ensure a positive result and improvements in heavy vehicle safety and productivity,” he said.

HVIA chair John Drake signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ATA chair Geoff Crouch, committing to work together on key policy issues, at the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show.

We don’t know when or how often the Form will convene but at least it’s a start, and any interaction between the industry and the pollies has to be good, right?