Election results revealed, past year reflected on at AGM
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has identified performance-based standards (PBS) access, Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review and the re-emergence of Safe Rates discussions as some of the key items on its radar following its AGM recently, which also saw Julie Russell re-elected as president.
The association used the occasion to announce the 2019 executive committee while looking back over its efforts in the past year.
Russell was elected president for her third year, Paul Kahlert was named vice president, and Tracie Dickenson named as treasurer.
Russell made a particular point to highlight the work activity in the innovation and efficiency space by the association.
“We are well aware that our members face ongoing issues with access – particularly when it comes to PBS vehicles,” she says.
“Considerable work goes into achieving solutions to these issues. We work to not just attain access benefits to meet the demands of today’s freight task, but to also prepare for tomorrow.”
Read about Baxter Transport’s PBS combination at the NHVR demo day, here
Russell reaffirmed QTA’s advocacy in the industrial relations area in reference to the re-emergence of Safe Rates discussions around the country.
“We can reassure you that we have been up front and present at the most recent summits and forums in Canberra in and will continue to represent the interests of QTA’s members through the Australia Road Transport Industry Association (ARTIO) should these discussions continue to develop.”
Other highlights from last year included CEO Gary Mahon being appointed to the expert panel of the HVNL review, QTA advocating for an alternative mass distance charging model, and commencement of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Around Ports Project fatigue technology trial.
Another focus was the new Chain of Responsibility (COR) law, with QTA holding a number of workshops around Queensland.
“This provided the QTA with new opportunities to promote the role of road freight transportation in Queensland and educate other parties in the supply chain of their obligations under Chain of Responsibility laws.”
QTA also says it has been working closely with government parties to advance the interests of industry.
“We are fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to work with a proactive minister [Minister for Main Roads and Transport Mark Bailey] who is willing to get one-on-one with industry and listen to trusted industry representatives to increase his knowledge and understanding of our industry.
“In keeping with our Association’s apolitical approach, we have engaged with Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Steve Minnikin and we continue regular dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition, Deb Frecklington.”
Kevin Alexander, Ben Almond, Tim Knowles, David Simon, Bryan Smith and Alex Tenkate were all re-elected as directors, while Luke Roberts retired his position of director.