HOT WEB TOPICS Truckie charged for compo fraud An innovative ‘hook’ for Qld role

A FAR North Queensland transport operator has shared his struggles in attracting truck drivers. He’s now using the lifestyle hook to try and lure in professional drivers to complete the seasonal work, which is mainly in the rugged and remote Aussie outback.

On Facebook, Chris Cartwright said, “There should be young blokes jumping all over this. What an experience, even for a couple of years.”

While Robert J Wise shared a different view: “As it says, can’t pay miners wages and it’s seasonal… It’s not like the young fellas can go up for a few years and save up to buy their first home, reality is a hard pill to swallow.”

Malcolm Campbell added: “It’s not only the mines fault drivers are hard to find, the NHVR have a lot to answer for as well. Truck drivers are over being labelled as criminals as soon as they climb into their truck.

A 29-year-old truck driver was ordered to pay $50,509 after he was caught working while receiving compensation payments for an injury. In March 2019, he had he lodged a successful compensation claim for injuries to his neck, back and shoulder caused by pushing hay bales off a truck.

Between September 2020 and November 2021, he submitted certificates of capacity declaring that he was not working. However, a WorkSafe investigation found that he had worked for a earthmoving contractor since October 2020.

“Fair enough too – the insurance costs business big and we in Australia are lucky to have workplace protection. It is my belief it’s what sets our country apart from any oth- er,” wrote Mark Freer when the story was shared on our Facebook page.

“Glad he got caught… way too many rort the system,” said Gail Hewson.