Part of the new stipulations surrounding the now active Closing Loopholes No. 2 Act is the formation of a Road Transport Advisory Group (RTAG), with key industry leaders set to be appointed as members of the new regulatory body.
Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) National Secretary and Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson will take his place as part of the RTAG following his successful nomination and ratification into the position.
“The Road Transport Advisory Group will play a pivotal role in advising the Fair Work Commission on matters critical to the road transport industry,” Anderson says.
“The group’s responsibilities include providing expert advice on industry issues and prioritising the Commission’s work to ensure that the sector’s needs are effectively addressed in line with the recent road transport reforms.
“Following ARTIO’s nomination of me to serve as a member of the Road Transport Advisory Group, I’m pleased to confirm that Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt has ratified the appointment.
“It is an honour to be appointed to RTAG. This role presents a unique opportunity to ensure that the voices of road transport businesses are heard, especially as we work toward implementing the Closing the Loopholes legislation.
“ARTIO has been at the forefront of advocating for reforms that create a safer work environment for transport workers without compromising productivity for freight operators.
“I look forward to contributing to this important work and ensuring that our industry continues to thrive under fair and balanced regulations.”
The Closing Loopholes No.2 Act came into effect on Monday, August 26, and will provide extensive added protection for contract road transport and gig employees.
“This day has been a long time coming for our industry,” Anderson said as the new legislation came into effect.
“Transport is now getting the recognition it deserves with a dedicated system to establish harmony and sustainability. Transport businesses can have more confidence that a level playing field will bring about fair competition, with protection against the threat of the gig economy.”
“As a member of the Road Transport Advisory Group, I look forward to consulting with the broader industry to ensure standards meet the road transport objective of making our essential industry safe, sustainable and viable.”
TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen has also been appointed to the RTAG by Senator Watt, with the pair set to chair subcommittees with industry participants on relevant standards.
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