Retired VTA stalwart recognised forlaedership and defence of the industry
A Victorian MP has praised former Victorian Transport Association’s (VTA) executive director Phil Lovel for his work.
Wade Noonan, the son of Transport Workers Union (TWU) stalwart Bill Noonan, recently in Parliament acknowledged Lovel for his efforts, saying he has led the industry through some testing times.
“There are few people in the transport industry who do not know Phil Lovel,” Noonan says.
“He demonstrated a remarkable capacity to lead this industry through challenging times and build relationships that assisted his members and those they employed.
“Phil understood that drivers and transport workers were the backbone of his industry and he forged a positive alliance with the Transport Workers Union of Australia to achieve numerous safety reforms.
“He was never afraid to defend his industry in the media against those who would ignorantly label transport operators as cowboys.”
Lovel called time on his almost 30-year career with the VTA on July 4.
He was appointed VTA CEO in 1986 and held the position until 2012, when he stepped aside to become executive director.
Lovel was named as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2007 in recognition of his services to the transport industry.