Archive, Industry News

Canberra truck convoy spreads safety message

The national convoy went through Canberra to raise their voices about truck driver safety

Truck drivers around Australia have participated in convoys last weekend to spread the message to Canberra that the transport industry needs a standard-setting body to focus on driver safety.

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) led the action with its safe rates banners used in previous campaigns, with the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) and the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) also taking part.

NRFA president Ron Hannifey says the truck driver-run association joined the convoy in Canberra to prove that the industry is united behind reform.

Hannifey also called for urgent action on the 10 recommendations of last year’s Senate report.

“Truck drivers and companies share the same concerns about the current crisis in transport,” Hannifey says.

“The industry is at breaking point and everyone is feeling it. That’s why we’ve come together for change.”

NRFA board member Chris Roe also spoke from a stage made in front of Parliament House.

“Excuse our impatience when we’re told legislation takes time,” he says.

“We’re the truck drivers who dealt with snap border closures and COVID rule changes. We want the same efficiency to legislate safer standards in transport.

“There’s much more in the transport industry that unites us than divides us. That’s why we’re calling on the federal government for fairness and safety as a whole industry.”

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend