INSIGHT | AUSTRALIAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
GEOFF CROUCH
A
s we reflect on the year gone by, we prepare ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 2019 was a busy year for the ATA and trucking industry as we entered the national truck law review process, released a new set of TruckSafe standards, launched our new safety truck, and connected with thousands of industry members through our national conferences and engagement activities. In 2019, we worked with our members and the wider trucking industry to make more than 30 submissions to national reviews and inquiries, advocating for improved industry safety, professionalism, and viability. We called for practical safety solutions such as better roads and rest areas and mandating life-saving safety technologies. We called for productivity improvements such as better infrastructure to support the growing freight task, and we called for action on fuel security. We tackled the big issues together in Perth at Trucking Australia and welcomed more than 100 truck apprentices to a sold-out Technology and Maintenance Conference in Melbourne. We engaged, roadside, with truck drivers at Coffee with a Cop, and continued to lead the way in road safety as we launched what is the best evidencebased road safety initiative in Australia – 70
febr u a r y 2020
One voice, one vision SafeT360, which was proudly supported by the Australian Government and our Foundation Sponsors BP, Volvo and National Transport Insurance. Our advocacy, events and engagement initiatives did not go unrecognised, as we received a reach of more than 9 million in industry and mainstream media and reached more than 4.1 million across our social media platforms. Our business of influencing continued and together with our members, we led the industry with a united approach. As we entered the Heavy Vehicle National Law review, the ATA and our members came together as a united voice for the Australian trucking industry, making sure the views of Australia’s truck drivers and operators are fairly represented. Together we also stood unanimously to oppose the re-establishment of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal and reject proposed truck tax increases. As we enter a new year, we enter a period of new challenges and new opportunity. Our industry landscape is constantly evolving as we continue to face legislative changes and technological advancements. It is important we remain vigilant and flexible in order to adapt to these challenges, meeting them with industry unity and a collective force. But with these challenges comes opportunity to grow and strengthen our industry.
We have the opportunity to impact legislation that will affect our lives for many years to come, we have the opportunity to build a safer, more productive and environmentally sustainable heavy vehicle industry, and we have the opportunity to connect with industry members and supporters at our national conferences and events. We have the opportunity to promote diversity in the trucking industry with the Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program, to celebrate industry excellence with the National Trucking Industry Awards, and to continue to develop the next generation of trucking leaders with the Daimler Truck and Bus Future Leaders’ Forum. The ATA delivers for our industry and our members, working with undeniable strength when we are united with a common goal. This is the only way we can achieve our goals and how we, and our members, will grow and build strength together. With the support of our members, partners and sponsors, the power of the ATA is ever-growing. We will continue to represent a unified voice and work hard to deliver positive outcomes for the 50,000 operators and 200,000 staff in the Australian trucking industry.
Geoff Crouch Chair, ATA
