History
The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry
By Russell McKinnon
1966
R
ecent State legislation was introduced for a new transport authority, to be known as the Transport Advisory Council. The Association has direct representation through President E J Hindle. The Council is headed by John Knox, a former senior executive of an international oil company (He went on to hold the post of Director General of Transport for 15 years until 1982). On his appointment he and the advisory council reported to the State Government: “We are proposing a fundamental change in transport policy and orientation of the WA Government Railways towards a competitive environment. Such a policy will require a restructuring of the WAGR in a planned manner over a period of time. We are in no doubt that if this process is appropriately directed, the WAGR will flourish as a profitable venture, very ably indeed to compete freely with road, and able also to produce for its customers cost/ time/quality transportation of a type it is presently unable to give because of the financial restraints which surround it and the inappropriate duties it finds itself having to perform.” This proposal, a revolution in WA transport thinking as far as officialdom is concerned, took some years to mature. In the meantime, road transport has still been prevented from competition in areas where it might threaten the Railways. But the Government agreed, cautiously, it might be possible to test the Transport Advisory Council’s claim that fewer overall regulations were necessary by cancelling them in areas where no railway existed. Efforts to boost numbers at the Bunbury branch and the formation of a special section for tip-truck operators did not progress well, it was reported to the December 14 Executive Council meeting.
1967
A social function was staged at the Association’s premises on March 20 where the Minister for Transport and 10 other Ministers were invited. Three Ministers turned out with departmental 24
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officials and it was deemed an excellent chance to liaise. It was reported to the April 19 Executive Council Meeting that palletising of export fruit has proved successful, especially in the increased volume of fruit handled. The potential to license carriers was suggested at a special meeting of the Executive Council on May 4 with a Mr Berry addressing the members about the need for “greater stability within the road transport industry”. He talked of how it was applied in Britain and other Commonwealth countries. Discussions were held at subsequent meetings but any action was held in abeyance. The Privy Council appeal against the Road Maintenance Tax was lost and eventually the Association received a refund of $350.62 from the ARTF. Later, solicitors needed reimbursing and WARTA sent a cheque for $52.50. Ethics and rate stability reared its head at the May 10 Executive Council Meeting where six points were determined: 1. The Association did not actually represent the transport industry; 2. The Association rules were being violated in some cases; 3. Improved efficiency within the industry was essential; 4. A realistic approach was required concerning the Rate Schedules; 5. Members should accept a responsibility towards each other in order to upgrade the image of the Association to non-members; and 6. The apathetic approach by many members should be lifted (sic). State Associations contributed a total of $4635 to Tasmanian carriers following the recent bushfires. Mr R Perkins, who last attended a meeting of the Executive Council on February 15, died in August just before the Annual General Meeting. There was a move to have the Association insignia placed on windscreens of member vehicles. However, the Police Department would not condone this “as this would conflict with the Traffic Regulations concerning an unimpeded view from the driving position”. However, there were mixed feelings and the July 12 Executive Council meeting scrapped the idea. The Association premises were broken into on November 4 and the newly purchased tape recorder was stolen. A 1968 Yearbook was produced and sent to non-members, ancillary users, kindred organisations and Government departments. It was intended to become an annual publication. A step forward was reported to the December 15 Executive Council meeting on the easing of restrictions on North-West transport. The Association is involved on a working committee to affect this change.
