WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - NOVEMBER 2022

and

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

with the

policy holder was to sustain an injury or a sickness which rendered them unable to work (subject to a 21 day waiting period).

Strictly for TWU members for an additional fee on top of their membership, the policy includes:

• Two competitive price points: for $16 a week you can expect cover for 90% of income, up to $1000 weekly.

Alternatively, for $21 a week, you can expect cover for 90% of income up to $1500 weekly.

• The cover includes Capital Benefits of $100,000 payable on Death by Accident and Total and Permanent Disablement as defined in the PDS, plus a range of further benefits expressed as a percentage of $100k as described in the PDS

There has never been a better time to become a member of the Transport Workers’ Union.

The TWU is delivering agreements for members that are between 35 and 40% greater than the Award. Agreements with 15% super and winning increases in agreements underpinned by CPI. Delivering real wage increases that keep up with the rising cost of living.

In August, the TWU negotiated a pay rise of 8% for transport workers at Metroll this year, and a massive 17% increase over a three-year period, won from the hard work of union members. This is just one example of the great work the TWU does helping to improve wages and conditions of transport workers.

The skill shortage in the transport industry has prompted companies to see the value in retaining their truck drivers.

Job vacancies in many industries are at a record high whereas capacity constraints due to material shortages have stalled in many other industries.

Fortunately, the Transport Workers Union is

in the transport industry, we can help you.

If you work in the transport industry why would you not work for a unionised company. Call the TWU to find out who the best companies to work for are.

A NEW TWU SERVICE

The TWU has recently launched a Group Accident and Sickness program for TWU members that has had a huge response since it’s launch in September.

It is especially useful for contractors and Owner-operators, who don’t have the collective strength of their workplace agreements or enough workers at their site to sustain a Group policy. When we insure our cars and homes, it makes sense to insure your income that pays for your home and car. And everyone gets sick, so it affords you income when you need it most.

This income protection is sustained through the TWU and uses the collective strength of the membership to afford you the best possible price on a policy that is competitive and will offer a safety net if the

• The policy also includes a Rehabilitation Benefit of $5,000 and Broken Bones Benefit up to $2,000.

• Applicable for age limits between 16 and 70 years old

• It does not cover any pre-existing health conditions.

This is a great policy and a great reason to be a part of the TWU.

Even alongside the price of union membership it will still save you a bomb plus you’ll be entitled to all the savings, benefits and representation that comes with being a member of the Transport Workers’ Union.

You can visit this link to learn more about the policy: www.twuwa.org.au/content/page/ income-protection-cover.html

Or email info@twuwa.org.au, call the office on 6313 3000 or fill in this survey to express your interest in the program: www. surveymonkey.com/r/TWUIncomeProtection

Alternatively, scan the QR code below to access the forms to sign up.

Protect yourself, protect your job and protect your income with the TWU.

Road Train Signage Trial

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) is trialling new road train warning signs that provide road users with a better visual indication of what type of vehicle is actually in front of them. This safety initiative is designed to help road users make more informed decisions about how they share the road with, and overtake, road trains.

The existing “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signs are vague in terms of what type of vehicle is actually in front of you. The new signage being trialled will replace them and provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and

operators will pay for their own signage.

Information about the trial will be posted to social media and our website. Feedback is welcome via our survey available on the trial page on My Say Transport or via the QR Code below. We’re particularly interested in feedback from the general public to see if the signs are more informative and meaningful.

If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia, including B-doubles, road trains and rigid truck and trailer combinations. HVS will also liaise with the

Expanding Main Roads’ HVS Transport Inspectorate and Traffic Escort Wardens

an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to. The signs also align to the “road train route” signs that are often seen on regional highways.

A suite of signs have been developed to cover the standard 27.5 metre, 36.5 metre, and 53.5 metre combinations, as well as Performance Based Standards (PBS) Scheme 30 metre, 32 metre and 42 metre combinations. A special sign is already in use for 60 metre PBS road trains.

Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk will participate in the trial by fitting the signs to some of their vehicles. Other operators are welcome to participate in the trial and require an approval letter from HVS. All

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to share the feedback received and encourage them to adopt the same signage.

It’s important to note that interstate operators will not be disadvantaged or penalised. HVS will continue to recognise and accept “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signage requirements specified in other jurisdictions when RAVs travel across the border into Western Australia. For further information, visit the trial page on the My Say Transport website or contact the HVS Help Desk on 138 486.

In August 2022 HVS expanded its Transport Inspectorate to welcome an additional eight full-time employees as on-road Transport Inspectors.

The Inspectors joined on-road duties in September, bringing the total to 16, along with two coordinators.

The number of full-time Traffic Escort Wardens also increased by eight in August, with an additional two Senior Traffic Escort Wardens. This brings the total to 30 Traffic Escort Wardens and three Senior Traffic Escort Wardens

The new signage being trialled will provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to

Above left: PBS Road Train signs; Above: Standard Road Train signs

You may have seen us at any one of a number of Agricultural Shows recently, where we were on hand to discuss all things Heavy Vehicle.

Our crew have recently attended the Dowerin Field Day, where there was significant interest in the Bindoon Bypass and Eastlink Projects, along with the Kununurra Agriculture Show, Newdegate Machinery Field Days, and the Perth Boat Show.

Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS)

The HMMS was developed to assist the grain industry with the difficulties experienced loading grain from a paddock into a truck and complying with standard axle load limits. This is not a concessional loading scheme.

The scheme commences each year on the first day of October and finishes on the last day of February.

Grain Receivers and transport operators must comply with the HMMS Business Rules.

The Order, Business Rules and Grain Receiver Registration Forms are available via the Main Roads website at www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/ permit-order-scheme/harvest-massmanagement-scheme-hmms/

Throughout 2022 Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) has been working with Western Power to develop a program of work to underground power lines, predominantly along Great Eastern Highway and Great Northern Highway.

14 work packages have been identified to be delivered over a period of five years with the first package expected to commence in early 2023.

Planned work will be detailed at mainroads.wa.gov.au and industry will have the opportunity to nominate power lines not listed in the program for consideration.

Did you know that you can subscribe for HVS Updates and Newsletters? Information is available on Pilots, WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, MOVES, general HVS news and Incident Notifications such as bushfires and flooding.

Simply visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/ heavy-vehicles/updates/hvs-updates/ and click on “Subscribe to receive HVS Update emails”, then select the topics that interest you and press submit.

153

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153

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karen@angrychicken.com.au

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Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes editorial submissions. Once received they will become the property of the Publisher who reserves the right to edit the or adjust the content to fit with the format of our publication.

West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd

ABN: 35 486 530 095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted or transmitted in any form by any process (graphic, electronic, mechanical or storage and retrieval system) or sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any purpose without consent of the Publisher.

The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication in regards to consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted, or being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication. No person, organization or party should rely on or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this magazine without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The Publisher shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by contributor, consultant, editor or related party for content within WATM. The opinions and content within WATM does not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, editor or their agents. No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss of material supplied to the publisher.

THE PUBLISHER

Hope this finds you all well. Many within the transport industry have often spoken of ‘unity’ within our industry and it seems that everyone is in agreeance that there is a driver shortage, employers are competing with other industries also desperate for workers and if you have or can find a ‘good’ driver then you have to keep them. They are worth their weight in gold.

Ray Pratt has been speaking about this for years in the magazine; rarely does an edition go by without him citing the exodus of experienced drivers leaving the industry because of poor conditions.

Currently, the average salary of a road train driver is between $105,000 to $125 and one company recently advertised with a salary of $150K for the right operators.

Interesting times ahead, but on a positive note and whilst it is not in the short to medium term you will have the option of robotic workers for some tasks (Page 18).

As you can see from the front cover (and Page 2) Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) is trialling new road train warning signs that provide road users with a better visual indication of what type of vehicle is actually in front of them. If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia, including B-doubles, road trains and rigid truck and trailer combinations.

And don’t miss Page 16 – Major Motors Gala Dinner to celebrate their 50th. What a beautiful and classy event.

Lots more in this edition and as always welcome to the new digital subscribers -over 200 new readers from the last couple of editions and thank you to everyone who renewed their subscription to the hard copy (posted to you). If you want to receive the magazine in paper form please email me at karen@angrychicken.com.au

Best,

NTI – Trucking Basics

As Australia's leading specialist in transport and logistics insurance, NTI is committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise with customers and partners.

To this end, NTI have created a range of Trucking Basics tools to help build an understanding of the ins and outs of the transport industry.

The resources you can find at partner. nti.com.au/tools/national-transport-

insurance/trucking-basics include the Trucking Basics Book which is a guide on basic truck information and terminology, Infographics including GVM vs Carrying Capacity, Getting to know SMEs that use trucks and light rigids doing the heavy lifting.

Also available are bite sized video segments from NTI experts to bring you up to speed on industry basics such as truck and trailer combinations plus Webinars on a range of subjects.

WA-based critical minerals company executes MOU with India’s Tata Steel

The WA State Government has welcomed advanced vanadium developer Technology Metals Australia Limited's announcement that it has entered into a non-binding MOU with Indian steelmaking company Tata Steel Limited.

The execution of the MOU was accelerated by July’s Invest and Trade WA mission to India, which was led by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook and International Education Minister David Templeman.

Representatives from Technology Metals joined the State’s largest ever business delegation, which visited four Indian cities over eight days from 12 to 19 July.

Located 50 kilometres south of Meekatharra, Technology Metals’ Murchison Technology Metals Project (MTMP) includes the Gabanintha and Yarrabubba vanadium deposits and is one

of the highest-grade vanadium projects in the world.

Technology Metals is developing the MTMP to produce high purity vanadium pentoxide and investigating opportunities to move downstream, including the production of vanadium electrolyte, ferrovanadium and vanadium nitride.

Part of the global Tata Group, Tata Steel is the 10th largest steel producer in the world, with an annual crude steel production capacity of 34 million tonnes per annum.

Ferrovanadium and vanadium nitride are used in the steel alloying process in Tata Steel’s facilities to increase strength and wear resistance of its steel products.

Technology Metals and Tata Steel will investigate downstream technical collaboration with scope for joint development of ferrovanadium production

Road train driver wanted$150K Salary

Yes, you read that correctly – a $150K Salary has been offered by a Northern Territory livestock transport business for a road train driver in order to attract the right operators.

After having trouble finding quality applicants for a road train position, Jason Pepper told ABC Rural, “We put the advertisement up on our social media page to find some good people. Social Media seems to be a good way of getting the word out there. It did go a bit viral and was viewed more than 200,000 times.”

According to employment website Seek the average salary of a road train driver is between $105,000 to $125,000.

Did it work? According to Jason, “I’d like to think the money has

Everyone in the transport industry is in agreeance that a really good driver is definitely worth it, and if you can find them - keep them

attracted some good operators and there are some good people who have called us - and they are looking to give this type of work a try.”

Everyone in the transport industry is in agreeance that a really good driver is definitely worth it, and if you can find them - keep them.

Equally, if a driver does not do something properly or if they make a mistake the cost can hit $10,000 or $20,000 in a single day.

facilities in Western Australia and India. Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “The MOU between Technology Metals and Tata Steel is great news for WA’s growing battery and critical minerals industries.

“Beyond steel production, downstream vanadium products are an essential input for emerging energy technologies. Vanadium electrolyte is used in the manufacturing of vanadium redox flow batteries, which are used to provide longterm storage for electricity systems.”

Western Australia remains the national economic powerhouse

Australia’s

and

drive the

at an all-time high of $38 billion and condensate production was valued at a record $8.6 billion.

record

of $231 billion and the highest-ever employment figures in 2021-22.

the fourth financial year in a row the sector has delivered record sales, following $151 billion in 2018-19, $172 billion in 2019-20 and $211 billion in 2020-21.

in the sector rose to an all-time high of more than 157,700 workers, an increase of around six per cent on the previous financial year.

Iron ore maintained its historically high status with sales of $137 billion, gold hit another record with sales of $17 billion, while nickel recorded sales of $4.9 billion.

lithium prices drove the value of spodumene concentrate sales to a record $6.8 billion - more than two-and-a-half times its previous record. Lithium was WA’s third highest mineral by sales value.

The petroleum sector continued to recover following a downturn during the pandemic. LNG production was valued

Mineral exploration expenditure reached a new high of $2.5 billion with strong levels of spending on gold, nickel, copper, rare earths and lithium.

said, “These results again highlight the success of our Jobs Plan and our commitment to creating long-term employment for Western Australians.

“Our unrivalled economic management and growing resources sector shows time and time again that our State is the backbone of our nation’s economy.”

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “These exceptional results continue to deliver jobs and outstanding economic benefits to Western Australia and our regional communities.

“It’s especially pleasing to see the growth in battery and critical minerals such as nickel, lithium and rare earths given the global transition to green energy.

More than $24 billion was invested in WA's mining and petroleum sector - the highest level since 2016, and the State has around $57 billion of resources projects under development and a further $87 billion in medium and longer-term projects in the pipeline.

Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan

“WA has a proven track record as a reliable investment partner and these results are a testament to our economic stability, legal clarity and regulatory certainty.”

For more information, visit dmp.wa.gov. au/About-Us-Careers/Latest-StatisticsRelease-4081.aspx

Our unrivalled economic management and growing resources sector shows time and time again that our State is the backbone of our nation’s economy

Minister, Catherine King.

Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, said: “The Albanese Government has hit the ground running in cleaning up transport pollution and reducing its health burden, first by reducing the amount of sulphur in our petrol and now introducing tighter noxious emissions standards for new trucks and buses. We’re making transport emissions cleaner and greener.”

The Truck Industry Council (TIC) has also welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement regarding the introduction of the Euro VI emission regulation and equivalent alternative standards for heavy vehicles in Australia.

Australia to tightennew truck emission regulations

Emissions standard, Euro 6, will be phased in over 12 months from 1 November 2024 for new trucks and buses according to the Federal Government.

By introducing tighter noxious emissions standards it is the Federal Government’s aim to save lives, prevent toxic air pollution and provide environmental and economic benefits for communities.

The Australian Government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics estimates introducing Euro 6 will save the Australian community $6.4 billion over 25 years from fewer premature deaths and chronic illnesses.

Australian based truck manufacturers and importers have been calling for the introduction of Euro 6 standards for years.

These standards are already in place in the European Union and United Kingdom, and equivalent standards also apply in most developed countries, including the United States and Japan. China and India have also recently adopted equivalent standards.

Introducing Euro 6 will mean

manufacturers must add the advanced safety and fuel-saving technologies to Australian models that other countries already have. This will help improve safety outcomes, and contribute to our emissions reduction targets.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and National Transport Commission are working with state and territory governments to make changes to ensure operators purchasing cleaner and safer trucks maintain productivity when the new standards become mandatory.

Further improvements to fuel quality could help support introduction of tighter standards for light vehicles, known as Euro 6d. The Government is considering how best to improve fuel quality and enable all new light vehicles sold in Australia to meet Euro 6d standards.

“Australia has been lagging in our vehicle noxious emissions standards for years now, and this move will help bring our vehicle market into the 21st century – and into line with overseas vehicle markets,” said Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The TIC has been advocating for this introduction since 2015 and is pleased to see Transport Minister Catherine King acting quickly upon her appointment, engaging with the TIC, to ensure the regulation can be mandated, with its health and safety benefits flowing on to the Australian community.

The TIC say the introduction of the regulation is a win for public health and will lead to the uptake of trucks with the latest safety technologies such as Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning, and Vulnerable Road User Detection Warning.

The TIC also say truck operators will benefit from fuel savings of between 3 and 7 per cent, as has been seen in overseas markets where this technology has already been adopted and the road freight transport industry is well on its journey to a zero emissions future with many exciting greenhouse reduction technologies set to be introduced.

Truck Drivers now on the National Skills Commission’s skills shortage list

Truck drivers have now been added to the National Skills Commission’s skills shortage list.

The Skills Priority List (SPL) provides a detailed view of occupations in shortage, nationally and broken down by state and territory. It also includes the future demand for occupations in Australia.

Trucking is one of 129 occupations that weren’t considered in shortage in 2021 but are now in shortage in 2022.

Emissions standard, Euro 6, will be phased in over 12 months from 1 November 2024 for new trucks and buses according to the Federal Government

What changes are being made to address the driver shortage?

The truck driver shortage has been the number one news dominating the transport industry for the last couple of years.

It should be pointed out that the transport industry had been issuing warnings for many years that the shortage of truck drivers was going to create a crisis within the industry. Nobody listened or acted until it was too late and then the panic set in when it became obvious that we were right.

So the question needs to be asked, what changes are being made by industry and Government now to address the driver shortage?

The Government has pledged large amounts of money to develop truck driving courses to encourage new drivers into the industry. While this is commendable - it’s all a bit too late.

The training courses are successful with drivers filling much needed driver vacancies. However, attracting people to the course in the volumes required is now a real challenge due to a record low unemployment rate which is not likely to change much so the numbers won’t make much difference when there are literally thousands of job vacancies.

Remember that we have a huge shortage of workers for a multitude of jobs all over Australia so it’s a big ask to fill transport jobs alone.

It’s also been suggested that we make it easier for migrants to enter the country in an effort to get drivers into the seats of trucks.

For many years we have had migrants come and take driver jobs but most would argue this has not been successful for safety.

Sure, there have been some drivers who have stepped up to the task of truck driving

successfully but many are poorly trained and lack the necessary qualifications and experience to drive trucks safely.

This has created a whole lot of problems with road safety and poor load restraint and in general lowering of standards within the industry. It seems that Drivers Licenses were issued without proper training and we certainly don’t need untrained drivers sharing the roads with the general public.

Now to the transport companies… In the past, and I still hear it now how some

after being trained, well if they were looked after and paid properly they would be thankful, remain loyal and give good service.

I believe the main factor that will solve the truck driver shortage is to look after our existing drivers and stop the exodus of good experienced drivers from leaving the transport industry.

The general treatment of truck drivers is not good and unless the industry recognises that we are skilled operators and our industry is an essential part of the economy we will not stop the exit of talented drivers.

I ceased being an Owner Driver many years ago. I loved the industry and owning my own truck but it was always a battle trying to survive on low rates, long work hours and poor work conditions. Transport management generally treated drivers ok but many times we felt their wrath if we were late with deliveries or the job didn’t work out as planned. It was a hard thankless job especially when we worked hard long hours for very little reward.

transport companies are reluctant to put their hands into their own pockets to finance the training of their future workers.

When questioned about it the reply is usually we can’t afford it, it’s not our job and we will probably train them and then they will move on to better jobs.

Well I think they are wrong on every count. It’s their industry so why not encourage new drivers into the industry. They have the facilities and equipment and the most important thing they have are experienced drivers who can pass on a vast array of knowledge. As for them moving on

There is little point in trying to recruit more drivers into the transport industry unless we change the situation and make the industry more attractive.

All too often someone I know makes the same decision as I did and exits the transport industry for the same reason I did. When they leave they take a wealth of knowledge and experience. Let’s look after our existing work force and by doing so the transport industry will turn itself around and drivers will want to make a career out of transport.

This is what will solve the truck driver shortage. Is anyone listening?

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

I believe the main factor that will solve the truck driver shortage is to look after our existing drivers and stop the exodus of good experienced drivers from leaving the transport industry

West Musgrave investment decision to create hundreds of jobs

The Final Investment Decision has given OZ Minerals the green light for the West Musgrave copper and nickel project.

During construction, it is estimated the project will create 1,500 jobs during construction and 400 ongoing operational jobs.

The $1.7 billion project will help unlock one of the world's largest untapped nickel deposits.

The low emissions West Musgrave project has met all regulatory approvals and has the support of the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group.

Nickel and copper are in-demand minerals for the global electrification and renewable energy industries.

Nickel production in Western Australia is expected to show strong growth in the coming years, as the global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow.

WA's nickel sales were valued at $3.7 billion in 2021 and the sector employed more than 7,900 workers.

Copper sales were valued at more than $1.7 billion in 2021.

As a testament to WA's innovative and technical capability, the West Musgrave project will provide a strong foundation for further investment and industry development.

The West Musgrave project is being designed to be one of the largest fully offgrid, hybrid powered mines in the world.

The minerals from West Musgrave will be exported from Esperance.

State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said, “The announcement from OZ Minerals that it has reached a positive final investment decision for the West Musgrave copper and nickel project is a boon for the State and

has the potential to open a new minerals province in Western Australia.

“This project has the potential to open up a new minerals region in WA at an important time in the global transition to renewables.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “This billion-dollar-plus investment is great news for WA's economy and the mine’s 24-year operating life will support hundreds of jobs into the future.

“It's especially pleasing to see the West Musgrave support renewable energy, with about 80 per cent of the project's needs being sourced from solar and wind.

“With the global battery market expected to increase 10-fold by 2030 and 40-fold by 2050, we expect the strong demand for WA's battery and critical minerals to continue growing.”

During construction, it is estimated the project will create 1,500 jobs during construction and 400 ongoing operational jobs

Shining a spotlight on physical health in the heavy vehicle industry

The health and wellbeing of heavy vehicle drivers is an issue of vital importance to all Australians. Ensuring drivers are healthy is not only important to them, but it’s also an issue that impacts their families and friends, everyone else on our roads and our nation’s economy as a whole.

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated how reliant we all are on the road freight industry, and has highlighted the need to prioritise the health of the drivers that keep Australia moving.

The sedentary nature of a heavy vehicle driver’s occupation, combined with lack of healthy food choices at truck stops and lack of exercise, puts drivers at risk of obesity and developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, poor mental health, and cardiovascular health issues. And there is a direct correlation between chronic diseases, injuries, ill-health, and fatigue with road safety.

The NHVR has published regulatory advice providing guidance on the

BHP – one of Australia’s largest taxpayers

BHP has released their Economic Contribution Report for the 2022 financial year, which shows the company contributed $79.3 billion in economic value to the Australian economy over the 12-month period.

The total national contribution to Australia comprises $18.5 billion in tax, royalty and other payments to governments, $16.5 billion of spending with suppliers, $39.6 billion in dividends to shareholders, $4.6 billion in employee wages, and $106 million in social investments. Highlights:

• BHP is one of the largest taxpayers in Australia

management of known and unknown medical conditions of drivers and other workers in the heavy vehicle industry. It provides information about the most common medical conditions affecting workers in the heavy vehicle industry, what might be contributing to them, how current medical conditions can be managed and

• Over the past decade, BHP has paid more than $90 billion in taxes, royalties and other payments to governments in Australia

• It is expected that 10% of all company tax paid in Australia in the 2022 financial year will have been paid by BHP

• In the 2022 financial year, BHP’s adjusted effective tax rate in Australia was 42.7% including royalties

• BHP has a workforce of about 50,000 people in Australia.

how new ones can be avoided.

Whilst this information and regulation is part of the HVNL there are some very good resources and check lists you can access regarding your health at www.nhvr.gov.au/ safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-ofresponsibility/regulatory-advice/fitness-todrive-physical-health

The industries facing the most significant skills shortages in 2022

Eleven of Australia’s 20 largest employment sectors are facing a skills shortage in 2022, the National Skills Commission (NSC) says, underscoring the challenges facing businesses looking to build their workforce — or maintain the staff they already have.

In its annual Skills Priority List, the NSC found 286 out of 914 assessable occupations, or 31%, have experienced worker shortages this year.

Those findings represent a significant uptick from 2021, when 153 out of 799 assessed occupations, or 19%, faced a worker shortfall.

Of the 20 largest employment sectors, the occupations facing labour shortages include:

• Retail manager (general);

• Primary school teacher;

• Secondary school teacher;

• Truck driver (general);

• Aged or disabled carer;

• Electrician (general);

• Child care worker;

• Carpenter;

• Program or project administrator;

• Chef; and

• Motor mechanic (general).

Australia’s small business environment has been defined by those workforce

shortages in 2022, and those deficits are demonstrated in both decades-low unemployment rates and extraordinarily high job vacancy numbers.

But the NSC data details how multiple factors — including pandemic-era border closures which suppressed immigration rates, an ageing population in need of healthcare and support services, worker burnout, and extreme construction demand — may have drained the pool of available labour.

The NSC data also highlights another way businesses could vie for talent: offering higher wages in their job ads.

Just 0.4% of employers with unfilled vacancies said they would consider changing the remuneration for their open roles.

By comparison, 6% said they would consider giving up on filling the role entirely, and 7% would contemplate restructuring their organisation.

Just 0.4% of employers with unfilled vacancies said they would consider changing the remuneration for their open roles

Over to you

Are good road conditions a pipe dream?

In response to questions about poor road conditions on some of our major freight routes, a Department of Transport official recently commented that we shouldn’t be critical of small sections of substandard roads when so much had been

invested in large stretches of the network overall, or words to that effect.

Since that statement I have pondered more than usual about what we as an industry will accept as a benchmark for road conditions. Do we want small sections

of road built and maintained to a high standard or are we prepared to accept longer sections of road at reduced quality?

In my opinion we should aim for the highest standard available even if this means smaller sections of road are addressed.

In 2021, Australia's largest annual workplace mental health survey revealed that transport, logistics, and postal industries are ranked as the worst in Australia for mental health, with the industry score declining year on year.

Other research has shown that truck drivers represent the second highest occupational group, after construction workers, at risk of suicide.

Poor mental health can adversely affect decision-making processes, causing momentary lapses in concentration and even causing drivers to crash.

The importance of developing effective strategies to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of drivers and other workers in the industry cannot be overemphasised.

To align with National Safe Work

LRTAWA by David Fyfe, President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

The importance of developing effective strategies to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of drivers and other workers in the industry cannot be overemphasised

Understanding and preventing mental health issues in the heavy vehicle industry

We all know the freight task is increasing along with population growth and higher productivity. Western Australia’s major grain handler, Cooperative Bulk Handling has said it expects harvests of 20 million tonne or more to be the norm. The majority of this will be moved by road. The 2018 Regional Freight Network Plan for WA predicted that the regional freight task would grow to 40 billion tonne kilometres per annum by 2030. Ironically that same report claimed that ‘the configuration, condition and road-use profile of a number of the State’s freight roads are already built to a standard to support freight growth to 2031.’

We already encounter examples of roads that are failing or have already failed.

The Great Eastern Highway (an important tourist and freight route), the Great Northern Highway, the Tanami, the Albany Highway and the Great Central Road often feature in the roads attracting the most complaint, frequently in colourful terms.

Social media is awash with commentary about the condition on these roads.

Admittedly social media is not renowned for factual reporting, but there is a consistency of complaint that is difficult to ignore. Main Roads response to the problem roads is to issue pothole alerts to warn motorists, reduce speed limits and impose temporary road closures. If the road maintenance budget cannot keep up with the current demands, how will it cope with the demands of 2030?

It is easy for armchair engineers to come up with simple answers to complex problems, but many of us have been

travelling the same roads over a long period of time and have observed the correlation between roads deteriorating, extra mass and airbag suspension. It is an irresistible conclusion that road construction and maintenance techniques have not kept pace with vehicle technology. More weight and a larger freight task have taken their toll on the roads.

At a basic level the solution lies in either taking the pressure off the roads or building to a higher standard. The latter will increase costs and therefore extend the length of time before a project is completed. Even without added quality, large projects take time. Take for example the plans to seal the entire WA section of the Tanami which is 313km long. Construction of the first 20kms will start in 2023 at a cost of $42.75 million jointly funded by the Australian and WA governments.If only 20kms can be completed each year the project will take around 15 years to complete. During this time there will be other sections of the road in need of maintenance, but will funds be available. The same applies to other large projects.

Notwithstanding the obstacles, especially cost, presented by the ‘build to a high standard’ approach, it should be the ultimate goal. In the meantime, however we need to reduce the burden on the roads. Here are a few suggestions as to how we could achieve that:

• Reduce the allowable axle weights to the standard. If necessary rates will have to increase

• Support rail in regional areas to get trucks off the road with the one proviso

that this doesn’t result in funding being diverted away from roads

• Consider whether the mining industry should contribute more money to road construction and maintenance. The volume of mining product moving across the network appears to be a large contributor to damaged roads

• Main Roads should provide greater transparency about the current criteria for approval of quad road trains carrying 140 tonne payloads.

Some of these suggestions may not be popular but we have to do something drastic to arrest the decline in road conditions.

Month’s second-week theme of ‘mental health’, the NHVR has released regulatory advice providing guidance on mental health and wellbeing in the heavy vehicle road transport industry. This Fitness to Work –Mental Health advice has been developed with input and advice from Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, OzHelp and Beyond Blue.

The advice explains:

• why it’s important to build a mentally healthy workplace

• the psychological hazards in the workplace that can lead to mental health concerns and conditions

• how to recognise the signs that someone might benefit from support

• how to improve mental health and wellbeing in a workplace.

$49.5m package For Adblue supply

The Australian Government has announced a $49.5 million investment over four years in a package to enhance the resilience of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) market, including AdBlue. The funding will establish an emergency stockpile of Technical Grade Urea (TGU) which is the critical component of DEF.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Australian Government was taking action to ensure ongoing reliable supplies of DEF.

The package includes:

• A government controlled strategic stockpile of 7500 tonnes of TGU

providing an additional five weeks of supply beyond industry stock levels in case of a supply shortage.

• A competitive grants program to support sovereign capability and manufacturing projects that will look to produce TGU domestically.

• Collection of voluntary data provided by industry to provide market awareness of TGU and DEF domestic stocks.

For more information on the Federal Government’s fuel strategy visit www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/ energy-security/australias-fuel-security#tocanchor-securing-diesel-exhaust-fluid-tokeep-australia-moving

It is an irresistible conclusion that road construction and maintenance techniques have not kept pace with vehicle technology. More weight and a larger freight task have taken their toll on the roads

Over to you

Why Now More than Ever Mental Health in Transport Matters

Ispend most of my week on the phone talking to people at all levels of the Western Australian Transport Industry.

These calls range from the usual industry issue discussion, from specific issues of concern through to their frustration and needing somewhere to vent.

I don’t take the venting calls personally; they are never intended that way it’s just that people at all levels of the transport industry are tired and jaded. And I am happy to take those calls, because it’s better to let rip the frustration than let it build up. PS I am not a professional mental health person, but I can listen.

It is understandable ‘why’ people in our states Transport Industry are tired and jaded.

You and the rest of our Industry have carried Western Australia through COVID-19, East-West Rail wash out and through the on-going post COVID-19 staff and driver shortages, fuel prices, spare parts and Equipment Shortages and price escalations.

All the time trying to service WA Customers especially business customers who are equally jaded by similar issues.

All of that ultimately leads to the sense of being tired and jaded.

So that is why a focus on Mental Health in our industry is so important.

Blue Truck George

I was very proud to help launch Blue Truck George on Friday 14 Oct, to help raise awareness of Mental Health in the WA construction transport sector and the broader WA Transport industry.

Blue Truck George is a fantastic initiative of the Consolidated Group

of companies including, Consolidated Group, Consolidated Transport and EK Contracting who are committed to mental health and wellbeing of their employees but also those from the broader Western Australian Transport industry.

Why George? George is an inside joke at Consolidated Group of Companies where

everyone is George. Everyone greets and refers to each other as George.

When new people start the first thing they ask is, “Who is George”, and their answer at Consolidate is everyone.

The colour blue is taken from the lead awareness organisations like the Blue Tree Project and a Truck because it’s the common equipment across all parts of the construction sector.

So Blue Truck George is there to spread the R U OK message.

So, keep a look out for George on the road.

Steering Health Minds in WA

Further supporting great initiatives like Blue Truck George, is Steering Healthy Minds.

This is an initiative of the TWU in WA and is very strongly supported by Western Roads as it is a proven effective program. Mental Health is an industry wide issue and one regardless of our positions we must be united.

Steering Healthy Minds program aims to reduce the number of suicides occurring in the transport industry. Steering Healthy Minds is a peer-to-peer support program that involves training key personnel in

mental health first aid to provide the tools to recognise declining or poor mental health in the workplace. The WA model provides further support in the education of employees about the importance of mental health.

The benefits of peer-to-peer mental health initiatives have been well recognised, and the tools learned through mental health first aid have been internationally accepted as the standard for delivering peer support.

Especially in the transport industry,

where all the hallmarks of deteriorating mental health are clear. An isolating work environment, loss of communication in remote areas, fatigue and exhaustion and poor nutrition are all categorised as risk factors that lead towards unsustainable work practises and contribute to poor mental health.

To find out more contact the TWU WA or Western Roads Federation

Niomi Hurley

Niomi Hurley Chair of TranSafe WA also runs specialist consulting company (Get Up and Grow Consulting) helping Transport Industry companies.

As she says, “Mental health and wellbeing slides along a spectrum and by doing things to facilitate a healthy mind, we can keep our mental wellbeing at the lower end of the spectrum.

It is a lot harder to try and heal mental health issues than it is to reduce the likelihood of them. Similar to breaking a bone, it is best to be setting your bones up for success rather than wandering around in a cast while they heal.”

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.

For a membership application form

Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

Why George? George is an inside joke at Consolidated Group of Companies where everyone is George. Everyone greets and refers to each other as George

On Saturday the 8th of October, Major Motors were finally able to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in the form of a Gala Dinner held at Crown Perth. In attendance were some of their customers, suppliers and staff members who have contributed to this 50-year milestone.

The event featured several guest speakers and entertainment from the band, ‘Proof’ and comedian, Mick Colliss whose claim to fame is that he picked himself and three mates to form the first ever Australian Sudoku team to compete at the World Sudoku Championships.

Major Motors Gala Dinner marked their foundation when Major Motors was formed in 1971 to be the commercial vehicle arm of Attwood Motors.

In those days they handled Chevrolets and Bedford’s at Fremantle and Belmont

A Gala Dinner at Crown Perth was the occasion to mark the 50th Anniversary of Major Motors…

Frank Johnston, Sales Manager at Major Motors

From left to right –Director and COO of Isuzu Australia Andrew Harbison, Doug Brooks CEO of Brooks Hire and Bob Pearce Managing Director of Major Motors

Guests reading through the 50 Years of Major Motors Coffee Table Book

before focusing on Isuzu in the 1980s.

The Isuzu Ute franchise was acquired in 2010 – based at the O’Connor branch which in 2016 relocated to Bibra Lake.

Further to these moves, Major Motors added the Malaga branch in 1999 and Port Hedland in 2009. The Port Hedland branch also handles the sales and service of Ram vehicles.

The evening featured speeches from their long serving Sales Manager, Frank Johnston and Managing Director Bob Pearce.

Major Motors extends their thank-you to all who have been a part of their 50-year journey. This would not have been possible without your support.

Julie Van Grootel and Joe Clark

Above left to right: Rebecca Whitaker, Joe Dickinson, Frank Johnston, Caroline Dickinson and Ben Dickinson

Right: Nestor Jongko retired Major Motors Sales Consultant and Kevin de Bruin of Able Bus and Coach

Below: Bob Pearce, Managing Director of Major Motors

Proof the Band with a jazzy dinner set before getting everyone up on the dance floor

Sean and Lisa Clarke from RAW Hire

Curtin researchers pioneer a way to see inside the ‘brain’ of AI and robotic systems

Elon Musk hopes his humanoid robot 'Optimus' will "help millions of people," freeing humans from boring, dangerous and repetitive work.

Using Robots in the future for work has just come up another step as Curtin software and engineering researchers announce they have developed a way to assess and inform on the ethical, social and moral logic of AI and robotic systems, when they are making decisions which could boost their reliability and integrity.

The breakthrough could also make the use of artificial intelligence more acceptable and applicable across multiple areas including the medical sector, legal sector and mining industry.

Dr Masood Mehmood Khan from Curtin’s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering has not only invented the framework, called the Accountable

eXplainable AI (AXAI), but also proposed a software design process to integrate it into AI systems.

Dr Khan said “Failing to provide measures of comprehensibility and accountability, means most AI and Machine Learning (ML) systems are unable to gain wider public support and approval. At present, these systems cannot explain their decisions and their level of intelligence, expertise and capabilities are also limited because of the built-in biases in the training data and algorithms. For example, if a rescue robot reaches an accident scene and decides to help one person leaving others unattended, questions will be asked on the ethical, social and moral logic of the robot. Failing to explain its decision, the robot will never be trusted by the society. Our system solves that problem.”

Viva Energy to acquire Coles Express

Viva Energy Group Limited has announced they will acquire the Coles Express convenience business from Coles Group, creating the largest fuel and convenience network in Australia under a single retail operator.

This acquisition accelerates the company’s strategy to transition to a fully integrated fuel and convenience retailer and maintain its leading position in the attractive and fast growing convenience segment.

“This is an exciting step for Viva Energy that will enable us to further extend our network, invest in new and innovative convenience offers across our stores, and enhance our loyalty and digital programs to simplify the way our customers transact with us” said Scott Wyatt, Viva Energy’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The pandemic has changed the way people work and how they shop. They are shopping more locally, and want more convenience and a wider range of quality products and services. In the future, customers will also be looking for convenient electric vehicle recharging options while they are on the road, and in time we can also expect to see hydrogen refuelling facilities at major highway service centres.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the first half of 2023.

Hanover - zero emission vehicle technology

The sparks flew at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover with the world’s leading truck manufacturers unveiling the latest in net zero emission vehicle technology.

Volvo Trucks unveiled a completely new, fully electric rear axle for extended range and say this design frees up space for more batteries and provides even longer range for its battery electric trucks.

Daimler presented its battery-electric long-distance truck; eActros LongHaul which they say will have a range of around

500 km without intermediate charging. They say in the future, it will be possible to charge the batteries from 20 to 80 percent in significantly less than 30 minutes.

DAF Trucks (PACCAR) revealed a

Daimler presented its battery-electric long-distance truck; eActros LongHaul which they say will have a range of around 500 km without intermediate charging

completely new series of fully electric powertrains for the New Generation DAF XD and XF trucks. PACCAR says the new trucks feature completely new modular drivelines for ‘zero emission’ ranges from 200 to over 500 kilometres on a single charge. They say fully electric ranges can even exceed 500 kilometres.

In addition to these new electric truck announcements, leading truck manufacturers remain committed to the development of hydrogen truck models for longer distance transport.

Arecent report looking into the driver crisis within the Transport Industry asked children of Transport Operators if they were planning on following their parents into the Transport Industry.

The report stated that only 4% of those surveyed had any desire to follow their parents in their career choice.

Back in the old days, transport was a family business.

Kids would grow up learning to drive with Dad or with an Uncle and more often than not they would then just graduate into driving themselves. Today this is just not happening and this is contributing to the real shortage of drivers that the whole of Australia is experiencing.

So why aren’t kids taking up driving jobs, why are these long time trucking families closing up?

you couldn’t just take a day or a week off when you wanted to.

Don’t get me wrong – I love driving and I particularly love the long distance driving but now that I have a Grandchild, I don’t want to miss out on spending time with him.

Drivers today have very little family time – they spend long periods away from their wives and kids and it is mentally tough. Huge amounts of time and money and research is spent on programs for FIFO mining workers as it is recognised that the strain of being away from their families for extended periods of time is not mentally

One Small Step

no facilities available, to go to bed sweaty and dirty because you can’t have a shower to clean up, to make do with a pie or a sandwich for dinner because you can’t get a proper cooked meal after 7pm at night, to try and sleep only metres away from a busy highway because the parking bays are full and your driving hours are up, to put yourself at risk of huge fines and prosecution because you have made a mistake on your logbook and I guess the worst of all is to put your life at risk every day because of other incompetent road users.

And we wonder why kids don’t want to join this industry. Why would they want to put up with all this?

A shower and toilet every 200km or so on the three major highways – Great Northern, NW Coastal and Great Eastern – say eight each on the three major routes with 24/7 toilet and shower block - can you just imagine the luxury

I think that there are several answers - the first being that life on the road can be very lonely. You are away from home for long periods of time, you lose track of friends, you miss many special occasions and it seems that the ‘normal life’ just passes you by.

I have been driving trucks for nearly 40 years and the number of weddings, birthdays and special occasions that we missed far, far outweigh those that we attended. We were on contracted runs and

healthy but there doesn’t seem to be that same support for Transport Workers. At least when a FIFO worker comes home, they get maybe a week at a time home but a Truck Driver is lucky to get one or two days – and often that time is spent cleaning and servicing the truck. So the opportunity to get quality family time is greatly diminished. This alone can often be the final nail in the coffin that turns a relationship sour.

Life on the road is also not easy – what other job would expect you to have to go to the toilet behind a bush because there are

The Government makes squillions of dollars from the Transport Industry with taxes, permits, regulations, fees and whatever else they can think of to throw at us, but are not prepared to put back.

It really wouldn’t be that expensive to put a shower and toilet every 200km or so on the three major highways – Great Northern, NW Coastal and Great Eastern – say eight each on the three major routes with 24/7 toilet and shower block - can you just imagine the luxury? Can you imagine the difference that it would make to Transport Operators?

It would be just one small step for man but (sadly) forever a pipe dream for those that carry Australia.

EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

Striving ForZero Welfare Incidents

“The Senate reports indicate that the vast majority of incidents relate to the carriage of animals that were not ‘fit-to-load’, or to injuries that may have occurred during the transport task. Unfortunately, there were also a handful of reports indicating cruelty or mistreatment.

“There simply is no place in the livestock production chain for persons who deliberately mistreat animals. All of those cases have been reported to authorities and will be investigated. If proven, the persons responsible must be identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) have acknowledged the recent tabling in the Australian Senate of animal welfare incident reports occurring at export abattoirs in 2020 and 2021. Chair of the ALRTA National Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, Graeme Hoare, said that the association welcomes the very high compliance rate but will continue working to eliminate welfare incidents entirely.

“Livestock transport is like no other part of the road freight sector. The interaction

of animal welfare laws, workplace safety laws and road transport laws can create challenges in balancing the equally important elements of driver welfare and animal welfare,” said Mr Hoare.

“During the reporting period, there were 70.6 million animals transported to export abattoirs, with 631 welfare incidents recorded involving 4,083 individual animals. Expressed as a percentage, this represents a non-compliance rate of 0.0058 percent. Or in other words, more than 99.99 percent of livestock arrived without incident.

“While recognising that our drivers must play a role in identifying and removing animals that are not fit-to-load, the reality is that this can be difficult in some circumstances. A drivers’ observational vantage point may not allow full viewing of each individual animal and can be obstructed by infill sheets, other animals or poor lighting. In some cases, drivers are prohibited from entering the loading area due to on-site safety or biosecurity protocols.

“But this is not to say that drivers do not inspect animals and refuse to load unfit individuals. In fact, the rate of rejection during the loading process is orders of magnitude higher than the 0.0058 percent noncompliance rate. We absolutely play our role to the fullest extent possible.

“Yet, from a transporter’s perspective, any rejected animals should never have been presented for loading in the first place.

Australia reached 1.1 billion in parcel volume in 2021

itney Bowes Inc. global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services, has released the new Parcel Shipping Index featuring 2021 data from 13 major markets around the world including Australia. The study revealed that Australia exceeded one billion in parcel volume, with an average of 34 parcels generated per person.

The Index found that global parcel volume reached 159 billion in 2021, equating to 5,000 parcels per second with total carrier revenue reaching US$491.5 billion.

In Australia:

• parcel volume grew three per cent yearover-year (YoY), reaching 1.1 billion in 2021, up from one billion in 2020

• parcels generated per second reached 34 or 2.9 million parcels per day

• parcel revenue reached US$8.2 billion,

up five per cent from US$7.8 billion in 2020

• parcels generated per person rose to 42, a three per cent increase from 40 in 2020

• Australia Post maintained a strong hold over its market share at seven per cent growth in both parcel revenue and parcel volume

• TNT Express and Toll Holdings both experienced one percentage point decline in their market share in both parcel revenue and parcel volume from 2020.

Venkat Rao, country manager ANZ, India & ASEAN, said, “Parcel shipping in Australia continues to grow, which was to be expected as consumer shopping patterns drastically shifted towards online as a result of the pandemic. Parcel carriers and retailers are investing in their eCommerce supply chains to meet the rising demand of consumers. A critical part of this includes having the right technology platform in place to automate shipping processes and choose the right carrier. As consumer shopping habits evolve and inflationary pressures persist over the next 12 months, it will be interesting to track the 2022 results.”

The study revealed that Australia exceeded one billion in parcel volume, with an average of 34 parcels generated per person

P

A MEET UP AT WHITEMAN PARK

By Kevin Toovey

HCVC members and partners met at Whiteman Park for brunch earlier this year. It was a very warm sunny morning in August and perfect for a catch up with the regulars that make the effort to attend these events.

President Kevin Lockyer with help from Peter Collins and Eddy Van Dongen organised everything and everyone enjoyed the morning out.

The topics discussed included the then upcoming Dowerin Field Days, a run to Lake Perkolilli and when are we having another BBQ event.

Mel Taylor's Alvis and Chev

Above: Different shades of blue, Nelson Palmers Holden FJ and Phil Taylors Ford F100 look good in the morning sun

Right: Mel Taylor showing members the Alvis motor. I can hear him now, “Typical English manufacturing, over engineered and underpowered” but it looks good especially those huge headlights

A good line up of regulars

Above: Peter Johnston, Eddy Van Dongen and Trevor Tough cooking up a feed

Colin and Maree Blackburn’s Dodge 675 with a Massey TEA 20 tractor on the back ready for the Dowerin field days

Peter and Eddy's Chevs

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

President D A Maher’s report to the Annual General Meeting of August 25 focused on industrial relations; road funding; the truck blockade; and Divisional activities.

ARTIO’s WA Branch banned smoking at meetings on September 15.

1989

The General Meeting of June 12 replaced F A Legena as Vice-President by O B Jones, of Gascoyne Trading. The subscriptions were also raised 15 percent.

the industrial action currently being waged by the union in Victoria.

1988

Two members of the Executive Council inspected what could possibly be new premises for the Association at Maylands.

Mr Bill Brain resigned as Chairman of the School Bus Division officially on February 8 as he was taking early retirement. He served seven years as Chairman.

The March 18 Executive Council Meeting had tabled the report of the Royal Commission into Grain Storage, Handling and Transport, which strongly recommended the deregulation of the industry, something the Association had be wanting for some time.

At the General Meeting of May 26, a membership levy was imposed — $5 per vehicle — to publicise the inadequate funding of the WA road system. It was also passed that an additional levy be imposed after six months. One member, J McKenzie, pointed out that an effective method of pursuing the road funding issue was through the collection of signatures for a petition to Parliament.

Outgoing President D A Maher produced his report at the August 24 Annual General Meeting at the Association Boardroom, touching on industrial relations; fuel tax and road funding; freight deregulation; road safety; occupational health and safety and training. After three years at the helm, Mr Maher handed the reins over to O B Jones.

The TWU Superannuation levy increased from $14 to $15 per week or $2.80 to $3.00 per day for a casual.

The Crane Division disbanded on November 3, 1989 with the formation of the Mobile Crane Hirers’ Association of WA. At the inaugural meeting of the new body on October 17, the following officers were elected: President: P R Treasure.

Vice-President: B R Holland. SecretaryTreasurer: A J Layton. Committee: P Bolton, T Brown, P Johnson F A Legena, S MacFarlane, D Stoddart, W Wright. The Crane Division had only six members at the time.

1990

At the General Meeting of May 17, two Trustees stepped down and were presented with gifts — T F O’Brien and R J C Porter — who were replaced by D N Gilham and D A Maher. The only other item on the agenda was the Executive Director reporting on the current impasse with the TWU over the payment of the second structural efficiency increase, in particular

The President presented his report to the Annual General Meeting of August 23, concentrating on: The Association’s Divisions; the Inter-State Commission Report on Road Use Charges; the proposed accreditation scheme and industrial relations. There was the correct number of nominations for positions — so there was no election as such — although S P Casotti has since left Association member TNT and his replacement held over until the next meeting.

1991

The General Meeting of February 28 elected a new Trustee in the form of G D Bell, who replaced former President D A Maher, who was moving to Sydney to take up a national role with Grace Bros. The School Bus Division had a levy on all bus contractors ($10 per school bus) endorsed to cover incidental costs of the Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman attending meetings in Perth for the review of the standard rate formula and contract statement. The Association also passed a motion to resign from the ARTF on June 1.

The Annual General Meeting of 1991 was staged at the Association offices on August 22. The major point of President O B Jones’ report was the amalgamation of the Licensed Coach Operators’ Division with the Bus and Coach Association. The three vacancies on the Executive Council would be deferred until the September Council meeting.

By Russell McKinnon

The only other item on the agenda was the Executive Director reporting on the current impasse with the TWU over the payment of the second structural efficiency increase

TRANSPORT MAGAZINE

etc)

never done anything like this before,

the want to talk to people.

or any of your

are interested, please contact Karen Maree Kaye at karen@angrychicken.com.au

Behind the people who keep Australia moving