The last twelve months has seen the ATA working hard to ensure the industry’s voice is heard in Canberra, according to ATA Chief Executive, Stuart St Clair.
“2009 has been a tough year for the trucking industry. But despite the economic gloom, we’ve had some significant wins for the industry in the last 12 months.
“These include the rollout of rest area funding under the Australian Government’s $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and an extra $150 million for critical highway maintenance.
“We have also seen the installation of 200 new boom gates and other safety measures at high risk level crossings, as well as the 30 per cent bonus tax deduction on new equipment like trucks and trailers and then its extension to 50 per cent for small businesses.
“The ATA had a particularly important role in securing the Senate’s support for this tax deduction, which has helped many trucking operators buy new equipment despite the downturn.
“On the vehicle design side, the Government has made the welcome announcement that front under-run protection will now be required on all new model trucks from January 2011 and all new trucks from January 2012.
“Meanwhile, Australia’s governments are continuing to work on setting up a national heavy vehicle regulator and regulations, with the ATA arguing the new system must benefit all truck operators.
"In July, I was fortunate enough to make an address to the National Press Club in Canberra. It was the first time a representative from the trucking industry had an opportunity to face the country’s top journalists.
“During the year, the ATA also ran the 2009 Australian Trucking Convention and the Technical and Maintenance Conference, which provided valuable business information and networking opportunities to our delegates.
“In Narrandera, our Industry Technical Council held the highly successful information day about high productivity vehicles for local councils, police and RTA officers.
“And while all this went on, our safety and careers exhibition trailer, The Road Ahead, continued its journey around Australia.
“While we’ve seen some great results in 2009, it is no time to rest on our laurels. We have some major issues ahead of us in 2010, and the ATA is already gearing up for a big year.
“With climate change set to be a major political issue in early 2010, the ATA will continue to work with the Government and Opposition to secure a system that will impose the least burden on the trucking industry.
“Next year is also an election year, so the ATA will be speaking with many politicians to ensure the industry’s policy priorities are well understood.
“2010 will see the Australian Trucking Convention and Technical and Maintenance Conference continue to grow, as well as the inaugural TruckWeek, which will promote the importance of our industry."
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