WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - AUGUST 2023 EDITION

We got ourselves a Convoy! Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth will bring truck drivers together to show support for kids and families experiencing the challenging realities of a cancer diagnosis.

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Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au

WRITERS

Karen-Maree' Kaye, Russell McKinnon

CONTRIBUTORS

Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt

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As usual, everyone seems to be on the same page with the skills shortage and the amount of truck accidents that have become prevalent in Western Australia.

In this edition, our Bird’s Eye columnist Carol Messenger addresses the accidents and calls for more information to be given to industry from authorities on what were the causes.

The TWU has identified is the lack of standardised safety induction training and driver training and is calling for reform and the implementation of an apprentice style career path with accredited training or a skills passport which will ensure standardised and relevant training for transport workers so they are job ready.

Further on this subject, Ray Pratt (Fair Go for the Owner Driver) says, “My concern

is if these students with a brand new truck licenses are told that at the completion of the training program they are’ job ready’ to become truck drivers. There is a huge gap between getting a driver’s license to driving a truck - and having the experience to drive a truck as a job.

I hope many of you will be able to support the Camp Quality Convoy in October and all of the information is on Page 4. Not only will this convoy help the kids who are facing cancer but the more of you that can attend in the convoy will look fantastic for industry.

Lastly I would like to welcome all the new subscribers and sincerely thank the advertisers in WA Transport Magazine for your continued support – because without you there would be no magazine. Best,

Every Month

Be a part of event history and help kids facing cancer as the first ‘Convoy Perth’ rolls out to raise funds for Camp Quality.

On Sunday, 8 October, more than one hundred trucks are expected to undertake a 53km journey throughout the streets of our capital for the inaugural Convoy Perth.

Raising funds for Camp Quality, Convoy Perth will bring our community together in support of kids and families facing the challenging realities of a cancer diagnosis.

Camp Quality is an Australian children’s cancer charity that has been improving the quality of life for kids facing cancer for 40 years. They help kids and families from the heartbreaking news of a cancer diagnosis through every step of their cancer experience.

Camp Quality brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer through programs and services that help build optimism and resilience through community, education and fun.

Following the success of the Convoy Geelong event in Victoria in February, which saw over 170 trucks raise $170,000 to support the charity’s programs, Camp Quality is bringing the convoy fundraising event to Perth for the first time, for what promises to be a great family day out in support of a good cause.

The truck convoy will depart from and return to the Perth Hockey Stadium,

proceeding along major roads through Bentley, Welshpool, Morley, Osborne Park and Perth City.

The Perth Hockey Stadium will then host a Family Festival, where the community can cheer on the trucks as they arrive back and check them out up close at the ‘Show and Shine’ after the Convoy.

The family fun will continue into the afternoon with food trucks, kids rides, live music and entertainment, and fundraising awards to recognise the efforts of those involved.

Through Convoy Perth, Camp Quality is aiming to raise $60,000 towards their Family and Kids’ Camps.

Camp Quality Family Camps give back some of the precious family time that is lost during hospital stays and treatment. They provide a much-needed opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and share the ongoing experiences they face with others in a similar situation.

Family Camps not only help families develop resilience towards their cancer

Join the ‘first’ Convoy Perth – rolling out to raise funds for kids facing cancer

experience, but they often help forge lifelong friendships, too. And camp volunteers are on hand to help parents relax by keeping their kids entertained and safe.

Camp Quality Kids’ Camps give children battling cancer the opportunity to reclaim the fun and adventure of childhood and have a vital break from the challenges of cancer.

Kids’ Camps are filled with laughter and optimism, allowing kids facing cancer to make friends with others in a similar situation. Children get to experience time away from their parents filled with new friends and adventures – building resilience and life skills in the process.

Here is what one parent said about their children’s experience at a Camp Quality Kids’ Camp:

“As a parent I am so appreciative and grateful for the wonderful experience both my children had during this camp. It introduced them to new experiences, new friends and they loved all the wonderful experiences they had.

The amazing companions and staff went above and beyond to help the kids have a wonderful experience they will never forget. We are always grateful and appreciate to Camp Quality, thank you.”

$50,000 will pay for a Kids’ Camp experience for around 50 kids, while $30,000 provides a Family Camp for around 20 families impacted by cancer.

Families like Jayden’s, who was diagnosed with blood cancer a few weeks before he turned seven. Jayden’s family enjoyed a Family Camp to reconnect after his gruelling treatment.

“Treatment was traumatic for us all and all the restrictions of what he couldn’t do anymore made it even harder,” says Jayden’s mum, Tegan.

“When we went on Family Camp, everyone just got it. It was a place we could feel comfortable that wasn’t the hospital or our house, knowing that help was there if we needed it.”

“Jayden loves Camp Quality because he gets to meet kids like him and do so many fun activities.”

Camp Quality is now inviting all truck drivers to be part of event history by joining the inaugural Convoy Perth to help raise funds for kids impacted by cancer.

Primary movers without trailers are accepted into the Convoy, as well as trucks such as cement mixers, and small-to-medium sized trucks. If you want to participate with anything bigger, contact the event organisers

to check if your vehicle is suitable.

Entrants will have their own online fundraising page to register donations, with rewards on offer for fundraising champions.

Up for grabs is the chance to lead the Convoy, with the truck with the most money raised on their online fundraising page by 6pm on Saturday, 7 October – the night before the event – having the honour of leading the Convoy, followed closely by the second and third highest fundraising truckers.

Perhaps the most significant reward though, is the chance to bring some joy to kids and families in our community through the Convoy Perth event, and to those battling cancer through the work of Camp Quality.

Sign up for Convoy Perth

REGISTER YOUR TRUCK for Convoy

Perth online via www.convoy.org.au. Truck registrations close on Monday, 2 October 2023 at 10am.

If you have multiple trucks at your company or within your area, you can form a team to combine your fundraising efforts.

Registration fees for the Convoy Perth are $12, plus a commitment to

donate at least an additional $55 to Camp Quality (tax-deductible donation receipts available).

For more details, including the course and venue map, event timings and participant information pack, visit www.convoy.org.au or contact Elle Mazza at Camp Quality WA on convoy@campquality.org.au or 08 6163 5611.

Date: Sunday, 8 October 2023

Depart: Perth Hockey Stadium at 9am

Return: Perth Hockey Stadium at approx. 10.30am

Event fun: The Family Festival will run from 10.30am to 2:30pm at Perth Hockey Stadium

Register your truck: www.convoy.org.au by Monday, 2 October 2023

We got ourselves a Convoy! Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth will bring truck drivers together to show support for kids and families experiencing the challenging realities of a cancer diagnosis.

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON THREE MORE BRIDGES IN THE KIMBERLEY REGION

Works have begun on another critical road project in the Kimberley region, with construction underway to replace three single-lane bridges with dual-lane bridges on the Great Northern Highway.

The bridges cross Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Arthur Creek, improving safety for drivers and the freight industry that regularly depend on the highway.

Construction works are being delivered by Fortec Australia, with many local workers and businesses involved, creating jobs and opportunity for Western Australians. It will also increase job opportunities for Aboriginal people and procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.

This project partners the Australian Government with the Western Australian Government’s commitment to develop a

The bridges cross Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Arthur Creek, improving safety for drivers and the freight industry who regularly depend on the highway

scheduled for June and July. Arthur Creek bridge works will be undertaken during the 2024 dry season.

It is one of several road improvements underway this year in the region, including the New Fitzroy River Bridge Project. Design specifications will ensure the new bridges are able to withstand future significant flood events.

The $33 million bridge replacement

project is being funded by the Australian Government's commitment of $26.4 million and the State Government's commitment of $6.6 million.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Replacing the bridges at Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Arthur Creek is an important step in making Great Northern Highway more resilient to flood conditions and safer for heavy vehicle traffic and road users.

“This is one of several major projects we are delivering in the Kimberley region which is helping build a sustainable and long-term program of works.

“The bridge replacement project is expected to support 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction, as well as increase employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people and increase procurement from Aboriginal businesses.

“The project’s delivery contractor includes an Aboriginal employment target of 10 per cent, an Aboriginal business expenditure target of 7.5 per cent, and financial incentives for delivering above the Aboriginal employment targets."

Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said, “This is great news for the communities in this part of the Kimberley who depend on reliable and safe travel and freight transport links over these crossings.

“Projects like this are important to not only assist employment and businesses in the communities these bridges connect, but also to provide better infrastructure and safer roads lasting long into the future.

“The Australian Government is pleased to be co-funding these much-needed bridge replacements, effectively reducing safety hazards and streamlining passenger travel and freight transport links between these essential communities.”

Heavy vehicle rest area projects Survey

New and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas are another step closer, with state, territory and local governments now able to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative.

A short, anonymous survey for truckies and operators is available online so you can provide input on the location and condition of existing rest areas and provide advice on where additional rest areas may be required.

Go to investment.infrastructure.gov.au/ about/local-initiatives/heavy-vehiclesafety-and-productivity-program

Through the initiative, the Australian Government has committed $140 million over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas. To find out more visit minister. infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/mediarelease/heavy-vehicle-rest-area-projectshitting-road

fencing has started, with clearing, foundation

Photo: Facebook/Divina D’Anna - Member for Kimberley

Fuel tax credits fell on July 1

The fuel tax credit rate for diesel used in eligible trucks on public roads decreased to 18.9 cents per litre from 1 July 2023. The previous fuel tax credit rate was 20.5 cents per litre.

The decrease is due to the decision by Australia’s transport ministers to increase truck charges by six per cent per year for the next three years.

As a result, the road user charge on diesel will increase from 27.2 cents per litre now to 28.8 cents per litre in 2023-24. An increase in the road user charge decreases the on-road fuel tax credit rate.

The table shows how the road user charge will increase.

Period Road user charge on diesel (cents per litre)

Updated mechanical couplings standard

Standards Australia has published updated versions of mechanical couplings standards (AS/NZS 4968) for 2023.

The Australian/New Zealand Standard 4968 (Heavy road vehicles – Mechanical coupling between articulated vehicle combinations) comprises the following three individual parts, each of which has been received minor updates and improvements for 2023:

• 4968.1:2023 – Part 1: Design criteria and selection requirements for fifth-wheel, kingpin, and associated equipment

• 4968.2:2023 – Part 2: Testing and installation of fifth-wheel and associated equipment

• 4968.3:2023 – Part 3: Kingpins and associated equipment

The ATA argued that truck charges should be frozen in 2023-24 and then increase 2.75 per cent in each of 2024-25 and 2025-26.

You can check the fuel tax credit rates, including the rates for off-road or auxiliary use, at ato.gov.au/fueltaxcreditrates

The updates include various improvements to aid clarity and reduce ambiguity, particularly in relation to the D-value formula and calculation of design forces. All changes are listed in the ‘preface’ section of the individual documents.

To view the Standard visit/www.saiglobal.com/PDFTemp/Previews/OSH/as/ as4000/4900/49681.pdf

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Is it any wonder why we have a truck driver shortage?

The Western Australian government has announced that it is rolling out its successful Heavy Vehicle Driver Training program to the Pilbara and Kimberley to help train local people to become truck drivers.

This program has already been in place in the Perth metropolitan area and the South West for two years and has resulted in many people obtaining a heavy vehicle license and obtaining employment.

Western Roads Federation was instrumental in achieving this training initiative and it is great to see that industry was listened to by our State Government. It is not often you see initiatives like this take place – especially for the transport industry.

I think this is a much better idea to help the driver shortage than bringing in overseas migrants just in order to get people behind the wheel of a truck to make up numbers.

My concern is if these students with a brand new truck licenses are told that at the completion of the training program they are’ job ready’ to become truck drivers. There is a huge gap between getting a driver’s license to driving a truck - and having the experience to drive a truck as a job.

I believe that most of the driving schools just teach you to get a Driver’s License and throw in some very basic training regarding truck combinations and loading.

When you get your Driver’s License you

are not job ready by a long way and this is not helped by trainers I have found that have very little hands on experience themselves driving or loading a truck in the first place.

So how can they teach something they have no practical knowledge in? This is a failing of the system which includes the government and the driving schools and I

truck onto any of our highways.

At the completion of these Driving Courses there needs to be some sort of transport facilities to mentor new drivers into their career as truck drivers. The new employers of these drivers need to pick up the reins.

When I became a truck driver it was a case of starting with little trucks and then moving up to larger combinations as you gained experience. The owner of the truck would mentor you and watch your capabilities. Simply put, if you didn’t learn and show you were capable then you failed to progress up the ladder.

think they all should be held accountable.

I think there is also a failing in ‘Duty of Care’ to these aspiring new drivers as well as all the other road users. Many times I have said truck driving is a demanding and dangerous occupation and if you get it wrong it could kill you or other road users.

Driving a truck on its own is a skill but when you have to learn load restraint, different truck combinations, axle weights etc. then it becomes a different ball game.

For too long truck drivers have been classified as an unskilled occupation but I beg to disagree. There is a huge amount of training and skill required to take a loaded

In many cases older truck drivers would help in loading and advise various options in load restraint and by showing a willingness to learn then they was willing to impart their valuable knowledge.

On a daily basis truck drivers are exposed to serious accidents or even fatalities and it would be great to find out more details, especially as it seems like there are more accidents happening in WA at the moment and how many can be attributed to inadequate training and lack of ability.

Truck drivers can see the problem with letting poorly trained drivers on the road but like always nobody wants to listen to a truck driver. Is it any wonder why we have a truck driver shortage?

Keep it safe, Ray Prat

For too long truck drivers have been classified as an unskilled occupation but I beg to disagree

OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

Educating the travelling public

Road trains are the most common type of Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) operating on the WA road network. Our key freight routes also attract tourists, caravan retirees, and holidaying families throughout the year.

Main Roads was represented at the 2023 Perth Caravan and Camping Show held in March. The grey nomads appreciated that our Traffic Escort Wardens attended to explain how caravans and motor homes can safely interact with Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) loads and road trains.

This complements other recent work by Main Roads to inform the public with the awareness campaigns #biggerthanyou, #roadtraindomain, and the Road Train Signage Trial.

These safety initiatives are designed to assist road users to make informed decisions about how they share the road with heavy vehicles.

The Road Train Signage Trial ended on 30 June 2023, and the feedback received will be analysed and will help to determine the future of the proposed signage. Watch this space.

Class 1 RAV 8 tyre per axle Low Loader Over Mass Period Permit

In late 2022 Main Roads HVS introduced the Class 1 RAV 8 tyre per axle Low Loader Overmass Period Permit. This product is available for the transportation of heavy indivisible loads on 8 tyre per axle low loaders operating on approved networks. It is valid for 12 or 36 months and may be used in conjunction with a Class 1 RAV Oversize Period Permit or a Class 1 RAV Over

This permit allows tri-axle and quad-axle low loaders with 8 tyres per axle to operate on approved networks with or without a tandem axle dolly (also with 8 tyres per axle). The allowable mass is subject to the Ground Contact Width (GCW). However,

tri-axle low loaders can have up to 16 tonnes per axle with a 3.7 metre GCW, and quad axle low loaders can have up to 13.75 tonnes per axle with a 3.7 metre GCW.

Prior to applying for the Period Permit, operators are reminded they must familiarise themselves with all the requirements of the Class 1 RAV 8 tyre per axle Low Loader Overmass Period Permit Operating Conditions. The Operating Conditions, Period Permit application form and approved networks are available on the Main Roads website. The Operating Conditions include the vehicle descriptions, dimension and mass requirements, axle

spacings, and other details.

Oversize Overmass (OSOM) - www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/ permit-order-scheme/osom/

Class 1 RAV 8 Tyre Per Axle Low Loader Overmass Period Permit Operating Conditions - www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/ globalassets/heavy-vehicles/getting-apermit/osom/class-1-rav-8-tyre-per-axlelow-loader-overmass-period-permitoperating-conditions.pdf?

Operators can apply for additional roads to be added to the approved networks, in the same manner as other route assessment applications.

HVS State-Wide Industry Information Sessions and Workshops

Heavy Vehicle Services is continuing its Statewide Industry Information Sessions and Workshops. The 2023 sessions will include a presentation from the Main Roads Regional Office, an Information Session on a topic identified by industry and a workshop where participants articulate what functionality they need in our new customer portal.

Please note: the HVS Industry Information Session 2023 schedule may change To find out more about upcoming sessions and / or to register, please visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/ heavy-vehicles/updates/hvsupdates/15-2023/

8

Sealing has begun on the WA section of the Tanami Road

Sealing has begun of the Western Australian section of Tanami Road, which links the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek with the Northern Territory border.

Work on the first 41-kilometre section through the hills south of the Great Northern Highway is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Tanami Road is 1,016 kilometres long and mostly unsealed, extending through the Northern Territory to Alice Springs.

The road is notoriously difficult to drive, becoming rough and corrugated during the dry season with long road closures during the wet season, cutting off access to the communities it services.

Sealing the road will deliver improved and safer access to remote Aboriginal communities and mine sites, as well as a more resilient road freight network by providing an alternative route into northern Western Australia from the eastern states.

The Australian and Western Australian governments have committed $542.8 million to complete sealing of the 313-kilometre WA section of the road over the next 10 years, after design and

development work started in 2020.

The project will be directly managed by Main Roads Western Australia on behalf of the Shire of Halls Creek, using local Kimberley businesses with a focus on long-term Aboriginal engagement and employment.

Four new local Aboriginal start-up businesses are currently engaged on the project, with two more to begin soon. More than $15 million in contracts have been awarded to Aboriginal businesses to date.

More than 65 per cent of the current workforce are Aboriginal, and two-thirds of those workers are local from the Shire of

Halls Creek, with further initiatives planned to provide more opportunities for local residents to work on the project.

In the Northern Territory, 300 kilometres of the 703-kilometre section of road has already been sealed, with an additional 30 kilometres from Alice Springs due for completion mid-this year, and a further 90 kilometres due for completion during 2025.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “We saw first-hand during the Kimberley floods the impact when road access is cut, so investing in new sealed road connections, like the Tanami, will be critical for our future resilience to severe weather.

Federal Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said, “Sealing this road will make Aboriginal communities it services less remote by providing safer and more flood resilient access.

“This work will provide a reliable alternative freight route into northern Western Australia from the eastern states.

“This improves an essential link in Australia’s outback and remote road highway network, benefiting locals and travellers for years to come.”

Work on the first 41-kilometre section through the hills south of the Great Northern Highway is expected to be completed by the end of 2024

Carol Messenger

Saving lives one accident at a time

There is not a day goes by these days without reports of ‘at least’ one truck that has fallen over.

Whether it be in the city or regional areas… whether it be single, road trains, triples, quads, flat tops, grain trucks or whatever; it makes no difference - they are falling over like the King’s guards on a hot summer day.

I guess that it doesn't take too many brain cells to figure that the majority of the cause is speed – drivers who are coming into corners too fast or trying to beat a light change whilst turning. In these cases, the drivers obviously don't understand the physics of suddenly braking hard with a second (or more) trailer behind.

So is it just plain speed or is it coupled with the inexperience of driving a vehicle this size? Is fatigue, lack of attention, the fault of another road user - or is it a vehicle fault or plain old 'driver error'?

Well sadly these details aren't available and yet I think that it would be a hugely powerful tool for the Transport Industry if they were.

Main Roads do provide statistics on crash investigations at www.mainroads. wa.gov.au/technical-commercial/roadsafety/crash-investigation/ but it appears to me that these are only for fatal incidents and are only exactly that – statistics. You can find out how many accidents occurred in what period in what general area and the approximate cost of the accident.

What would be useful for industry is a list or spreadsheet with each rollover listed – where, when, type of vehicle and probable

cause. Obviously, company name and driver name would be omitted. It would also be interesting to know if any breach occurred and if so, if any action was taken against the driver or company involved regarding that breach.

Incidentally – I think that this sort of data should be readily available for ‘any’ commercial vehicle incident not just rollovers. Whilst our beloved ‘Baysie Bridge’ is gone and so incidents of trucks hitting it should be no more - data regarding punitive action taken against the driver and/ or company involved should be readily available. I think Main Roads need to be

you get pulled up on a roadside check. Although, with the truckie early warning system through the CB anyone with any concerns would just pull up and wait them out. But again – a list of breaches on trucks pulled up on these roadside checks ‘should’ be readily available. In the words of Don Chipp, “It would keep the bastards honest”.

Many of the maintenance and roadworthiness checks were palmed out from Main Roads through the accreditation system. Companies were charged with keeping their own records and maintaining their own vehicles with an auditor ‘checking’ that these records were correct and accurate. Sadly, as with any industry, you can just pay and some auditors will sign off on anything.

‘seen’ to be taking action against those companies/drivers who flout the regulations.

Main Roads advise that they have 20 Transport Inspectors on the road. This is not a large amount in a state the size of ours. The nearest that the average Joe would come into contact with them is if

Where are the double checks on the auditors by Main Roads and it would be interesting to see if any breaches from accidents were related back to those auditor reports. Anyone who spends anytime on the road knows that although semi’s are supposed to be speed limited to 100kph, many regularly do far in excess of this. In my rigid (sitting on 110kph) I regularly have roadtrains pass me – so the speed limiters obviously are not working really well on those trucks.

I’m not calling for a name and shame – an accident is just that – but if breaches are found – then it should become common knowledge. Anything that can help this industry to save lives has to be a good thing.

BIRDS EYE VIEW by

Whether it be in the city or regional areas… whether it be single, road trains, triples, quads, flat tops, grain trucks or whatever; it makes no difference - they are falling over like the King’s guards on a hot summer day

ANSPORT WORKERS‘

UNION

Addressing the Driver Skills Shortage: Transport Workers Union’s call for Reform and the need for a Skills Passport

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

The driver skills shortage has become a serious concern in the transport industry. To combat this issue, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has been actively advocating for reform and highlighting the challenges faced by transport workers.

One critical aspect that the TWU has identified is the lack of standardised safety induction training and driver training, which has led to ineffective and inconsistent training practices.

The TWU has been calling for change for years to attract and retain skilled operators to our industry and make the industry safer. Addressing the driver skills shortage and implementing an apprentice style career path with accredited training or skills passport will ensure standardised and relevant training for transport workers so they are job ready when they enter the industry or progress to another classification.

The Driver Skills Shortage and its Impact

The shortage of skilled drivers has become a significant challenge for the transport industry. Factors such as an aging workforce, limited pathways for young people to enter the industry, and a lack of

diversity have contributed to the dwindling pool of skilled operators. Additionally, unsafe working conditions, insecure employment arrangements, and low pay rates have further deterred individuals from pursuing careers in transportation.

Lack of Standardised Safety Induction Training

One crucial aspect that has been overlooked in the transport industry is the absence of standardised safety induction training for drivers. Upon commencing their careers, transport workers often receive inadequate or inconsistent training that does not address the specific challenges they may encounter in their local situation. This gap in training hampers their ability to perform their duties safely and efficiently, leading to increased risks on the roads and decreased job satisfaction.

The TWU's call for Reform

Recognising the urgent need to address the shortcomings in driver training, the TWU has been at the forefront of advocating for reform in the transport industry.

The TWU recently presented a submission to the Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor that concluded

that better industry regulation, supply chain regulation, full-time employment, and improved wages are crucial if we are to achieve the projected shortfall of jobs that are needed in the transport industry. Additionally highlighting the importance of attracting and retaining skilled operators in our industry and among the key issues raised by the TWU is the need for standardised safety induction training that caters to the specific requirements of transport workers across different regions. The industry also needs to address the heightened risk factors for deteriorating mental health in the transport industry. Long working hours, sedentary roles, poor nutrition, social isolation, shift work, time pressure, low levels of job control, and fatigue are the hallmarks of the transport industry which point to a need for urgent reform. The TWU WA Branch through Steering Healthy Minds is improving mental health problems through Mental Health First Aid, contributing to training, and turning this culture around.

The Role of a Skills Passport

To address the training deficiencies, the TWU proposed in our submission the implementation of a skills passport

system. A skills passport would provide a comprehensive record of an individual's training and qualifications, ensuring that they receive relevant and standardised training and assessment throughout their career. It would serve as a portable document that can be updated and verified as drivers acquire new skills or undergo refresher courses. This would not only enhance safety but also improve the overall professionalism and competency of the system.

Benefits of a Skills Passport

Implementing a skills passport system would bring numerous benefits to the transport industry. Firstly, it would ensure that all drivers receive standardised safety induction training that is relevant to their specific local situation. This would bridge the current gaps in training, leading to safer and more efficient operations. Moreover, a skills passport would enable employers to identify and assess the qualifications and experience of potential employees, making the hiring process more streamlined and reliable.

Furthermore, a skills passport would empower drivers by providing them with a comprehensive record of their training and qualifications. This document would serve as a portable career record, allowing drivers to showcase their expertise and experience when seeking new job opportunities. It would also enable them to identify areas where further training may be necessary, facilitating continuous professional development.

Collaborative Approach for Implementation

Implementing a skills passport system would require collaboration between industry stakeholders, government bodies, and training providers. The TWU, along with other unions and industry associations, can play a vital role in advocating for the adoption of a skills passport as a standard requirement for all transport workers. Government agencies can provide the necessary support and

regulatory framework to ensure its successful implementation, while training providers can develop relevant modules and programs that align with the skills passport requirements.

The TWU has been at the forefront of improving career paths for the transport industry for many years and TWU WA Branch was behind the government announcement of a pilot advanced skills training program for truck drivers in Western Australia and the Heavy Haulage Driving Operations Skill Set program run by Driver Risk Management. The TWU continues to push for the introduction of an apprenticeship scheme to create new pathways into the industry. This is the type of support transport workers need to give the end-to-end skills for a sustainable transport industry that can service Australia’s economy into the future.

There needs to be greater levels of supervised, real-world experience for all drivers, including those behind heavy vehicles when it comes to issuing licenses. A transport panel made up of people who recognise the unique nature of the transport industry, understand the pressure of clients, and acknowledge the risks involved needs to be established within the Fair Work Commission. Further

establishing an expert advisory group made up of members from the transport industry and union to review issues like licensing, the unfair treatment of transport worker in the logistic chain and transport regulations will have a great deal of impact on the safety of our roads.

Conclusion

The driver skills shortage poses a significant challenge for the transport industry and governments, which is why the TWU is calling for urgent reform.

The Transport Workers Union has been actively working to address the issues faced by transport workers and has identified the lack of standardised safety induction training as a crucial area requiring attention.

By implementing a skills passport system, the industry can ensure that all drivers receive relevant and standardised training, leading to improved safety, enhanced professionalism, and increased opportunities for career advancement. With collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, government bodies, and training providers, the transport industry can overcome the driver skills shortage and build a skilled and competent workforce for the future.

Without out trucks Australia stops.

Drivers attend a site BBQ hosted by Steering Healthy Minds to encourage conversation and promote good mental health in the transport industry

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION

by Cam Dumesny, CEO

efficient response to customer inquiries. Additionally, AI can be used to personalize customer experiences by analysing their preferences and behaviour. This allows transport companies to provide targeted offers, recommendations, and loyalty programs, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

HOW AI CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR TRANSPORT BUSINESS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the operations of Western Australian transport companies. By leveraging AI technologies, transport companies can optimise their operations, improve efficiency, enhance safety, and provide better customer experiences. In this article, I will explore some of the ways in which AI can help improve your transport company's operations.

One of the key benefits of AI in the transport industry is the ability to optimise route planning and scheduling. AI algorithms can consider various factors such as traffic conditions, weather conditions, and historical data to determine the most efficient routes for vehicles. This not only helps in reducing travel time but also minimises fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

By using AI, transport companies can ensure that their vehicles are always on the most optimal routes, leading to cost savings and improved service delivery.

AI can also be used to enhance predictive maintenance in the transport industry. By analysing sensor data from vehicles, AI algorithms can detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate potential faults or breakdowns. This

allows transport companies to proactively schedule maintenance activities, reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns and minimizing downtime. Predictive maintenance helps in improving the reliability and availability of vehicles, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

Another area where AI can significantly improve transport company operations is in the field of driver management. AIpowered driver monitoring systems can analyse various parameters such as driver behaviour, fatigue levels, and adherence to traffic rules. This can help identify high-risk drivers and provide real-time feedback to improve their driving skills. Additionally, AI can be used to optimise driver schedules, taking into account factors such as driver availability, rest periods, and skills. By using AI for driver management, transport companies can enhance safety, reduce accidents, and improve overall driver performance.

AI can also play a crucial role in improving the customer experience in the transport industry. Chabot’s powered by AI can provide real-time assistance to customers, answering their queries, and providing relevant information. This reduces the burden on customer support teams and ensures a quick and

In the area of supply chain management, AI can help transport companies optimise their logistics operations. AI algorithms can analyse large volumes of data to identify patterns and trends, enabling better demand forecasting and inventory management. By accurately predicting demand, transport companies can optimize their fleet utilization and reduce wastage. AI can also be used to optimize warehouse operations, by automating tasks such as inventory management, order picking, and packing. This improves efficiency, reduces errors, and speeds up the delivery process.

AI can also contribute to improving safety in the transport industry. AIpowered video analytics systems can analyse footage from cameras installed in vehicles to detect potential safety hazards such as distracted driving, speeding, or lane deviation. By providing real-time alerts to drivers and fleet managers, AI helps in preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, AI can be used to analyse data from various sensors to detect potential security threats, such as unauthorized access to vehicles or cargo tampering.

In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the operations of a transport company. By leveraging AI technologies, transport companies can optimize their routes, improve predictive maintenance, enhance driver management, provide personalized customer experiences, optimize supply chain management, and enhance safety. Implementing AI-powered solutions can lead to significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and higher customer satisfaction, thereby giving transport companies a competitive edge in the industry.

If you need more information contact me.

Cam Dumesny, CEO Western Roads Federation

PS: I wrote this article using AI.

The transport industry could look a lot different in a few years

So what is really going on in the AI area? According to investment guidance business The Motley Fool, following are some of the ways AI is impacting the future of transportation now.

1. Autonomous vehicles

The largest impact of artificial intelligence is likely to be autonomous vehicles. While the technology has been slower to develop than many had predicted, it is now being rolled out in the real world, and the implications could be huge. It remakes the way we get around and the way we use roads and transportation systems.

Tesla has long offered driver-assist functionality it calls autopilot although "full self-driving” or Level 5 AV technology -- which CEO Elon Musk believes is essential to the company's value and competitive advantage -- has been elusive. Baidu, meanwhile, has deployed driverless taxis in several cities in China, and aims to have the biggest driverless ride-hailing

area in the world this year.

Autonomous vehicle technology is based on artificial intelligence tools like computer vision. AV cameras need to receive and interpret data instantaneously so vehicles know to avoid potholes and pedestrians. As the technology gets better, there will likely be a wide range of opportunities for investors in both passenger transportation and logistics.

2. Intelligent traffic management

Another way that artificial intelligence could have an impact on transportation is through intelligent traffic management. For instance, smart traffic lights can turn from red to green when there's no traffic coming one way. AI sensors could also determine the best times to adjust traffic patterns for rush hour, for example by making a two-way street one way. *Editor’s note: AI is already being employed in Australia to catch drivers using mobile phones etc.

3. Predictive maintenance

In the manufacturing and transportation industries, predictive maintenance is already being embraced as a direct application of artificial intelligence. AI algorithms can analyse sensor data from vehicles, identify patterns and potential issues, and predict maintenance. This helps avoid vehicle downtimes and adds efficiency, making transportation companies more profitable.

For example, C3.ai, the enterprise AI Software Company, worked with the U.S. Air Force to design a system to optimize fleet maintenance, increase aircraft availability, and avoid aircraft downtime. Commercial airlines and trucking companies are likely to look to predictive maintenance systems as well since the cost of having out-of-service vehicles is significant, especially for airlines.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES

Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

Centurion continues to grow its national network

Leading transport and logistics provider

Centurion Transport has further expanding its national footprint, announcing that it has completed its purchase of Rockhampton-based general and express freight business, Rocky’s Own Transport.

The transaction involves the acquisition of all the company’s assets being transitioned to be part of Centurion’s operations, further building out the company’s existing national presence throughout Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.

WA businesses to share in $1 billion worth of local contracts

Construction has commenced on the Western Range Pilbara iron ore mine with $1 billion worth of local contracts awarded to Western Australian businesses already.

These include:

• Civmec: awarded a contract valued at more than A$330 million for the construction of a new Run of Mine (ROM) pad, primary crushing facility, overland conveying circuit, and modifications to the Coarse Ore Stockpile and downstream conveying system.

• CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors: awarded a contract valued at approximately A$250 million to deliver the main infrastructure bulk earthworks.

• Primero Group: awarded a contracted valued at approximately A$54 million for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of the NonProcess Infrastructure facilities on site.

• MACA: awarded a contract valued at approximately A$60 million to construct a camp pad and access road as well as crushing and screening work.

• Pilbara Aboriginal Businesses: contracts totalling A$39 million.

The Western Range project operates under a joint venture between Rio Tinto (54 per cent) and their long-standing customer of more than 40 years,

Baowu Steel (46 per cent).

Western Range will support 1,600 construction jobs and 800 operation jobs and will complement production from Rio Tinto's existing Paraburdoo mining hub, which includes construction of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor system linking it to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant.

It is expected the mine will have an annual capacity of 25 million tonnes of iron ore and will commence in 2025.

The Western Range project milestone comes as the Cook Government released a new report highlighting the potential for WA to join the rapidly growing global green steelmaking value chain.

Premier Roger Cook said, “The Pilbara continues to roar as the engine room of our country’s economy.

“It’s significant projects like the Western Range that reinforces Western Australia as an attractive and secure destination for business and investment.

“I commend Rio Tinto and Baowu Steel on this latest project milestone which has resulted in numerous Western Australian businesses benefiting from construction contracts worth millions of dollars.

“The boost to local content goes to the heart of our WA Jobs Plan which is about preferencing WA workers and local businesses.

“It’s through significant projects like these that we can build a long pipeline of work for Western Australians into the future.”

In addition to its general and express freight, heavy haulage customers, Rocky’s Own Transport has predominantly served mining and resources customers with transporting explosives and dangerous goods. The business also provided logistics solutions to the Singapore Government when its armed forces conduct defence training exercises in Australia.

Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci said the acquisition was part of Centurion’s broader strategy to expand the company’s operational footprint and expand its services to the mining and agriculture sectors, alongside its other refrigerated, fresh produce and general freight services throughout Australia.

“We have been carefully building our national presence and this acquisition reflects the strength of Rocky’s Own Transport and its market share in the key sectors in which it operates. Centurion has a solid presence in the mining and energy sectors, and this acquisition is a natural fit for us and an extension of our capabilities.”

The transaction means Centurion now employs more than 2000 people across Australia and the Rocky’s Own Transport team will be a great addition to Centurion’s existing Queensland operations.

“Bryan Smith and Rodney Carige and their team have built an incredibly robust business transporting dangerous goods in Queensland, WA, and NSW via depots in Rockhampton, Wacol, Helidon, Yarwun and Kalgoorlie through an established and successful network. We welcome the 300-plus Rocky’s Own employees into our business,” Mr Cardaci said.

“Centurion is committed to looking after our new employees and customers and continuing to deliver a safe reliable transport service underpinned by the company values of Respect, Integrity, Passion, Persistence, and Accountability. “We’re also excited about the career advancement prospects for our new employees that will come with them being part of Centurion and our national operations.” he said.

This is ‘The Outback’

The downfall of the industry

By Cliff Graham

In this catch up around the campfire

I would like to continue on from last month’s edition regarding ‘mates and mateship’ in the transport industry.

Years ago, they were a lot more good old genuine roadhouses with home-cooked healthy meals where truckies would stop and chat; talk some BS and discuss dramas in the industry.

Everyone looked forward to a catch up with mates at a favourite roadhouse. Young fellas could learn from the old fellas and would take it on the chin if someone brought some constructive criticism. Everyone was willing to take time for each other.

It was a time when kids could learn the ‘ins and outs’ of the transport industry from their family. Young blokes were willing to get on with everyone – and of course there was still the occasional grumpy old bloke who did their own thing.

With many of the great roadhouses closing down, drivers are carrying their own food/prepared meals and eat alone. More time being alone to dwell on different things that cause stress.

Years ago, if there's a truck with a bonnet up or a cab tilted on the side the road ‘nobody’ drove past. Everyone checked on each other to the point if it was a ‘major’ there would be mates helping mates fix the broken truck if they could and then other mates would light a fire and cook a feed. It was a proper genuine catch up all on the side of the road followed by repairs of old spare tyres and tubes {the days when there were tubes].

During this time we helped each other, bouncing ideas, sharing problems – we

talked about everything.

I believe back then there were fewer mental health issues because you made the time to catch up with mates and debrief.

It was a lifestyle with all of us doing the same job regardless of who we worked for.

I remember one time I was broken down on the side of the road and a driver of another company helped me out - towing

can't take the kids out any more to teach them basic road rules.

You can't even get up on trailers to secure items of freight to something else already stably secured.

Seriously, we used to put more freight on one trailer than what is spread out over three trailers nowadays. Apparently it’s unsafe to double up freight on a trailer, hence more trucks on the road and more drivers required.

This has resulted in folk leaving the industry taking with them their ‘qualified and knowledgeable’ experience that they were willing to pass on to new drivers – as had happened in the past.

It seems to me that now it is not about people’s ability to drive a heavy vehicle anymore as it is about complying with the continuing additional regulations.

me into the nearest town. His boss chipped him for helping the opposition out. His other drivers went crook at the owner saying, “Don't start that crap. That will be the downfall of the industry if we're ‘not’ allowed to help each other”.

These days the government regulations have turned the industry into a race.

Years ago, if it took a couple of hours longer to do a trip it didn’t matter. Slow and steady with 250-400hp. Nowadays with 600hp plus if you take a couple of hours longer you get a fine or miss your warehouse time slots etc. It’s all go, go, go especially if drivers are on a kilometre rate to get to their destination.

It seems to me that ‘mine site safety’ has migrated to the public roads and now we

I didn’t think it was hard to communicate when overtaking. Recently, I called a faster truck on the two-way to overtake me. No response. I tried again at the next safe location – again no response. Then further up the road where there was no room they overtake without any communication.

On my last trip north I deliberately called into a couple of truck stops for a coffee and took the time to have a chat with a couple of other drivers. Everyone left smiling and everyone wished each other a great day.

Bring back the say G’day to a fellow driver on the two-way. Bring back the wave and take time out to check on a fellow driver mate. It just might make your day as well as theirs.

Young fellas could learn from the old fellas and would take it on the chin if someone brought some constructive criticism

Six

iNSTRUCKTA!

months on and what has been achieved

TRANSAFE WA’s safety truck resource comprises of a prime mover and customised double expanding trailer/mobile classroom. This road transport safety education beacon is called iNSTRUCKTA!

Since its launch in late January, iNSTRUCKTA! has been attending community, education and industry events around Western Australia to help educate current and future road users on how to safely interact with heavy vehicles. The event calendar is almost full for 2023 and bookings are already being taken for events 2024.

iNSTRUCKTA! has attended the Eaton Foreshore Festival, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Fair, Merredin Agricultural Show, Donnybrook Apple Festival, Bunbury Agricultural Society Show, Harvey Agricultural Show, Serpentine-Jarrahdale Food and Farm Alliance, ‘Road Safety Starts with Me’ Youth Summit, TRANSAFE WA Fatality Free Friday, Mullewa Muster and Rodeo and a Family Day at the Coca-Cola Amatil Kewdale site.

To date, over 3,500 current and future road users have directly participated in the iNSTRUCKTA! learning experience with many more being exposed via print, broadcast and online media. An

overwhelming amount of people who have visited iNSTRUCKTA! say that road safety education of this nature should be mandatory for all of our new road users.

Raising the awareness of heavy vehicles on the road is very important to TRANSAFE WA’s Executive Officer Rob Sharpe, who clocked up over 1.4 million kilometres during his most recent stint behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle. “Every day on the road I would witness light vehicles interacting dangerously with trucks and education is the key to reducing the number of these unsafe acts” says Rob.

The proportion of not-at-fault fatal truck

and car crashes has been a widely quoted statistic from the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC). In 2022 this proportion decreased to trucks being not at fault in 70% of fatal crashes involving a car and a truck. This is the lowest in the history of recording this statistic however it still reflects that in the significant majority of these crashes, the truck is not at fault.

TRANSAFE WA is a not-for-profit organisation who have received some hardfought grant funding from the Road Safety Commission of Western Australia and the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative to build iNSTRUCKTA!’s custom trailer. However,

Road safety Starts With Me Youth Summit at the Perth Convention Centre

iNSTRUCKTA! the coolest safety truck in Australia

the day to day running and the delivery of TRANSAFE WA’s great road safety initiatives are funded by their industry Safety Partners.

Diamond Safety Partner, Sitrak Australia (formerly Sinotruk Sales Kewdale) has provided the Sitrak C7H prime mover that tows the curiosity evoking purple trailer around WA. The Steadfast Foundation are a Platinum Safety Partner who provided financial support along with Gold Safety Partners- Centrewest Insurance Brokers, CBH Group, NTI and Modern Motor Trimmers.

A good number of Silver Safety partners also have their logos proudly displayed on iNSTRUCKTA!’s four sponsor panels. Safety Partners of TRANSAFE WA are organisations that value the safety and wellbeing of their employees and others in the community, they are ready to help take road safety up a level in WA.

“As a Safety Partner, you will be making WA roads safer for everyone and we rely on the ongoing support of our industry and corporate partnerships to safeguard our future on WA roads” says Rob

“Reach out to TRANSAFE WA if you would like to be involved in helping to make our roads safer. Learn today, live tomorrow,” says Rob.

Above: Safety signs inside iNSTRUCKTA!

Left: iNSTRUCKTA! has a wheelchair lift and the education space is 100% wheelchair friendly

Above and right: Participants at the Coca-Cola Family Day event Far right: Mike Rutherford from SITRAK Australia presenting the prime mover keys to TRANSAFE WA Executive Officer Rob Sharp

Below: Participants at the Mullewa Rodeo and Muster

Carol Post Carole Post cutting the ribbon at the iNSTRUCKTA! Launch

Minimum standards should be set for road transport supply chain

The Fair Work Commission should set minimum standards for the road transport supply chain but not fix B2B rates.

The ATA’s employee like forms of work committee reached this unified position, ahead of discussions with the Government about its planned legislation.

Further steps taken to strengthen DoT customer security

The WA State Government will implement further changes to strengthen security for Department of Transport (DoT) online customers and improve the practical driving assessment (PDA) online booking system.

From July 1, all DoTDirect customers will be prompted to turn on two-factor authentication the next time they log into DoTDirect and enter a verification code sent to their mobile number every time they access their account.

DoT’s licence block enables DoTDirect customers to take control of their identity security by placing a block on their driver’s licence details from being used for online for identity verification purposes through the Australian Government's Document Verification Service.

The new function, similar to placing a block on a lost or stolen credit card via a banking app, can be switched on or off at any time. This means customers can be proactive and put the licence block in place to protect themselves should their licence details be lost, stolen or compromised in a future data breach.

A blocked driver’s licence can still be used as an authorisation to drive and for identity verification purposes where a visual check of the licence is sufficient, such as picking up a parcel or buying alcohol.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “DoTDirect contains sensitive personal information, and these extra checks to prove the person attempting to log in to DoTDirect is the genuine account holder helps to keep their personal information safe.

“We’ve also made the decision to move our PDA booking system onto DoTDirect, which will further limit the impact of bots on the availability of tests.

“We want to make sure there is a level playing field when it comes to the availability of PDA bookings, and moving to DoTDirect means people won't be disadvantaged by unscrupulous operators using bots to sweep our system for available bookings.”

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport David Michael said, “With the rise in data breaches, the launch of the twofactor authentication is an important step in protecting customers and their personal information.

“The new licence block function will also provide people with peace of mind that if they lose their licence or suspect their information has been compromised, they can place a block on their licence information to ensure it isn't used by any third parties. For more information on the changes visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/

ATA CEO Mathew Munro said the original Road Safety Remuneration Act had attempted to impose minimum rates on all owner drivers.

“The new legislation should not repeat this approach, which was impossible to understand and established two-tier pricing across the industry," Mathew said.

“Instead, minimum standards orders made by the FWC should apply to all parties in the supply chain, provided there are not mandatory minimum business to business rates and the road transport sector is outside the employee like work reforms.

“Minimum standards could include cost schedules or other requirements that do not involve rates.”

The committee agreed to press for a two-stage process for making road freight transport orders, with the equivalent of a Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued 24 months before an order comes into force.

“In addition, it is critical that the terms of a supply chain contract are void if they are inconsistent with a road transport industry order,” Mathew said.

The meeting included representatives from the Australian Furniture Removers’ Association, Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association, Northern Territory Road Transport Association, Queensland Trucking Association, South Australian Road Transport Association and the Western Roads Federation.

Industry meets with Carol Brown

ALRTA President Scott McDonald attended an industry roundtable recently with the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown, to discuss critical heavy vehicle priorities including the sustainability of the sector as well as the transition to net zero and new technologies.

“We had good discussions on the reform licensing issues and transitioning to zero

carbon emissions in the land transport industry,” said President McDonald.

The discussions brought together representatives from many areas in the sector, including government, transport associations, peak bodies, industry groups, and transport operators.

“We also discussed the importance of getting the employee-like forms of work

laws right, so we don't end up with another road safety remuneration tribunal scenario targeting owner drivers" said President McDonald.

“Ensuring a heavy vehicle sector in Australia that is safe, productive and sustainable into the future is a key priority for our Government.” said Assistant Minister Carol Brown.

Halve the road user charge in remote areas

The Australian Government should halve the road user charge on diesel used in remote areas, the ATA said in its submission on truck charges.

The ATA plan would save remote area trucking operators an extra 14.4 cents per litre on the cost of diesel, based on the 1 July 2023 road user charge rate.

“Businesses serving remote communities cannot afford the fuel prices and charges that they pay now. They do not receive value for the charges they pay, for the quality of roads in remote Australia is extremely poor,” the submission said.

“High fuel prices and charges are a major contributor to the high cost of food in remote communities, where the cost of freight can be as high as 20.4 per cent of sales.”

The remote area road user charge would apply to the same area as the Services Australia remote area allowance.

On 1 July, the Government increased the road user charge on diesel from 27.2 cents per litre to 28.8 cents per litre. As a result, the fuel tax credit rate for diesel used in eligible trucks on public roads decreased to 18.9 cents per litre.

Global green steel opportunity for Western Australia

Anew report delivered by the Cook Government highlights the potential for Western Australia to join the rapidly growing global green steelmaking value chain.

Led by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), the Western Australia's Green Steel Opportunity report maps five ways WA iron ore can be used to reduce emissions from steelmaking.

Importantly, the green steel report considers the size and scale of the capital requirements and infrastructure needed for these pathways.

WA’s access to low-cost clean energy enables higher grade iron feedstock products, such as green iron in the form of hot briquetted iron (HBI), to be a potential avenue for steelmakers to consider producing in the State.

As green hydrogen technology continues to emerge and more renewable energy infrastructure is established, the report identifies the State’s access to natural gas and renewable energy resources as key to supporting emissions reductions in steelmaking.

In the meantime, international demand for WA's direct shipping of iron ore material is expected to continue.

Western Australia’s Green Steel Opportunity report delivers on a 2021 election commitment and is in line with a number of State Government initiatives such as Diversify WA, the Western Australian Climate Policy, the Energy Transformation Strategy and the Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy.

Premier Roger Cook said, “Our State’s

abundant renewable energy resources alongside our world-leading iron ore industry puts WA front and centre in the global push towards green steel.

“Moving up the green steel value chain will diversify our economy and create more local jobs right across the State.

“This report delivers on an important election commitment and will help to position Western Australia as an investment destination for low-emissions steel opportunities.”

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “As demonstrated in the report, a small scale 4.8 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) vertically integrated magnetite HBI plant in the Pilbara generates taxation benefits in the order of $31.7 billion to Australians during construction and operations through to 2050.

“It is estimated that the 4.8Mtpa plant would increase employment in the Western Australian iron ore sector by 1,700 full-time employees.

“The transition option of using natural gas has the potential to reduce emissions from iron making by 65 per cent and is technically feasible today. This information can be used to support investment attraction into Western Australia.

“There is increasing interest in Western Australia by the steel industry given the access to our iron ore resources and renewable energy options. Coordinated efforts will be required to secure that investment.”

To view the report visit www.mriwa.wa.gov. au/minerals-research-advancing-westernaustralia/focus-areas/green-steel/

Transport and logistics named third most attractive sector to work for

New research released by leading recruitment and HR services company, Randstad, reveals that transport and logistics is the nation’s third most attractive sector. Almost half (45%) of those surveyed identified the sector as an attractive place to work, hot on the heels of the public sector (48%) and mining and quarrying (47%).

The annual Randstad Employer Brand Research, an independent survey of 5,991 Australian workers, also reveals Australia’s most sought-after employers. With the top ten largely dominated by government agencies, the results represent a shift from 2022 when record low unemployment rates, a buoyant talent market, and lower cost of living saw private companies take out the top employer spots in the annual report.

However, there are some notable exceptions from the transport and logistics sector including Virgin Australia which ranked eighth, praised for being an employer that is perceived to be financially healthy, has a good reputation and offers interesting job content. Qantas and Toll Group also are also recognised as attractive employers within the sector.

Job hopping slows as employees hunker down

Despite unemployment rates remaining comparatively low, the report indicates job hopping is slowing down as we enter a new era of the ‘Big Stay’. In the past six months, only

16% of Australians have moved jobs, a notable drop from 21% in the same period last year.

Australians are hunkering down and prioritising career progression instead, with two in three (65%) saying it is important that employers offer upskilling opportunities. Fortunately, the current reskilling and upskilling offer from Australian employers is in line with employee demand, with only 16% feeling they don’t have sufficient opportunities to develop in their roles.

Without these opportunities, the research suggests employee loyalty will waver, with almost one in three (30%) saying they would quit if they had a limited career path.

Aussies still prepared to walk to preserve work-life balance

While the research suggests 24% of employees are still planning to change jobs in the next six months, this has dropped from 28% in 2022.

Considering this next step, two in three (67%) put work-life balance at the top of the list of must-haves from a new employer, followed by attractive salaries and benefits (61%) and job security (59%).

When asked how their current employer stacks up against these priorities, 38% feel their employer is not currently offering a good work-life balance and nearly half (45%) say they have or would change jobs to improve it.

Furthermore, the number of people in Australia who can work from home has dropped significantly from 48% in 2022 to 36% in 2023, despite remote work dominating conversations around worklife balance over recent years.

When asked what benefits they would like assuming a pay rise was off the table, nearly half (48%) would choose flexible start and finish times, 38% the option to work reduced days (40 hours over four days) and 32% the option to work reduced hours.

Jo Jakobs, Director of NSW, Randstad reflects: “In a year which has seen significant shifts in the job market, the research suggests the Great Resignation is well and truly behind us and potentially being replaced by the Big Stay, as workers look to hunker down and ride out the current economic storm.”

“Yet with more workers staying in their roles, looking for opportunities to upskill, they may be at risk of burnout unless employers step up their wellbeing offer. Creating a workplace culture which prioritises wellness and good mental health is no longer a nice to have - it’s an essential component for attracting and retaining talent, particularly at a time when pay rises are likely less affordable and people are prepared to walk to maintain their work life balance.”

To find out more about REBR visit, www. randstad.com.au/employers/employerbrand-research/

Before and After

By Kevin Toovey

Iam on long service leave and I thought I would have heaps of spare time. It hasn’t quite worked out like that. I don’t know how I ever fitted in full-time work.

Some progress has been made on the truck but everything takes much longer than I anticipated and there is always something that doesn’t go to plan. The Dodge has been sitting for a few years now and some bits have got a bit stuck, first was the slave cylinder for the clutch. Not properly adjusted for a start then once bled it shot the plunger nearly out the end and jammed everything solid. A bit of swearing and then had to use a truck ratchet strap to take the pressure off the cylinder. Then we had to make sure the injector rack was free, a few phone calls, lots of good advice from members and Don Wilson who rebuilt the motor.

With a new battery the Detroit fired up after a short time, a fair bit of noise and very little smoke, which is good in a small shed. The new air horn valve was constantly leaking even after taking it off several times and stretching the spring, better have another look with my glasses on this time, I had it working perfectly once I read the in and out outlets properly and changed them around. Other jobs that

have been done in recent times include building and fitting a new exhaust system and gantry, renewing all the old airlines and nearly a total rewire to which I thank Kevin Lockyer and also Peter and Wendy Collins in this matter.

Next jobs are to fit the front end panels,

straighten the bumper bar, get the bonnet repaired and painted (Steve Falconer), fit the doors, bleed the brakes and fit a rear light bar.

I have to finish with a couple of Detroit quotes. They don’t leak oil they just sweat power. And if they have stopped leaking oil then the sump is empty.

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

CEO and Chairman of the Recovery Division and the Chairman of Transport Forum meet for mediation on the issues raised on the documentation presented to the Board.

The Forum gained a truck from Scania as part of a sponsorship deal to be used in training. Wesfarmers had donated a trailer and dolly and these were transported to Merredin. The equipment would be used in carrying out MC training.

The first Annual General Meeting of Transport Forum WA was staged at Ascot Inn, Belmont on October 5 and the position of Chairman was handed to Ian King.

2002

Constitutional changes were in the air at the start of the year when it was decided that a Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen, a Treasurer would be elected by popular vote. The elected positions would be up for election every two years. Each Division would have a representative chosen by the Division to sit on the Board, meaning there would be eight members plus the Goldfields Zone rep. The January 30 Board of Management Meeting decided to put the changes to the General Meeting of March 9.

2001

The Freight Convention, underwritten by Transport Forum, was a success with the Forum profiting to the tune of $20,000 and Princess Margaret Hospital received about $2500, which would be put towards a kidney machine.

2A Kalgoorlie/Goldfields group was established and much discussion at the August 28 Board of Management Meeting centred around whether it would be a Division or a separate Association and, if so, what did it require from the Forum? Many motions were moved before the Forum accepted the group as a Division. It became known as the Goldfields and Road Train Division and the Chairman invited to sit on the Board of Management for a year. In the January 30, 2002 minutes, the Division was changed to a Zone.

A replacement car for the Training Manager, Don Bartlem, was obtained. However, the September 27 Board of Management Meeting stated he had resigned. Roger Bradshaw later replaced him on November 29.

A Special Meeting of the Board of Management was held on September 23 to discuss alleged lobbying of tow truck operators to nominate for the Recovery Division committee, which was seen to breach the constitution. The result was a motion that stated the

The transfer of the land at Cohn Street from the RTTC to Transport Forum was still in the ether early in the year as it had to be transferred to the Commissioner of Employment and Consumer Protection before being handed over to the Forum.

The General Meeting of March 9 acknowledged the recent passing of former WARTA President Owen Jones (1989-1992). The meeting was also told that the recent financial woes were behind and that a surplus was budgeted for the coming year. It was noted under the new constitution that the role of Trustee was redundant and that the Forum was managed and operated by the Board of Management.

The May 9 Board of Management Meeting was mainly taken up with two issues — the payout for former RTTC employee Marcus Walker and a motion of no confidence in the CEO. Max O’Dea tabled the motion and it centred on the recent resignation of school bus consultant Brian Hanson, who voiced his concerns about not getting the Training Manager’s position. Much chat ensued and it led to the appointment of Wally Gargano as the new employee dealing with the School Bus Division. This was also an issue because of the manner in which Wally was hired, bringing into question transparency issues. The vote was taken and defeated 5-4. Chairman Ian King thanked Max O’Dea for the positive way in which he put the motion and that it had now created a “sea change” for the Forum.

This space could be your spot to reach over 12,000 readers in the Western Australian transport and associated sectors. Contact Karen at Karen@angrychicken.com.au or Ph 0430 153 273

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