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priorityreport
ISSUE 74 | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020
TRANSPORT'S
LIFETIME
ACHIEVERS See PAGE 6
VTA cadets Christmas
celebrate Lunch sets We salute our
their graduation new record best drivers
PAGE 15 PAGE 16 PAGE 22
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CONTENTS
4 VTA Team; Q&A with VTA
President Mike Lean
5 President’s Welcome
6 Transport’s lifetime achievers
7 CEO’s Report
8 VTA Committee Reports
06 10 VWMA Report
11 Industrial Relations Report
12 Encouraging signs for landside
port operators
14 Intensive course delivers ‘job
ready’ drivers
15 VTA’s 2019 cadets graduate
16 VTA Christmas Lunch
18 VTA welcomes coronavirus
stimulus package;Viva Energy
Australia golf day; VTA events
15 calendar
19 New Victorian industrial
manslaughter laws explained
20 Employer focus on workers’ role
requirements
21 GraysOnline focused as
standalone management
22 Saluting our best drivers
23 Members, Sponsors and
Supporters
16 CONTRIBUTORS
Gallagher, GraysOnline, Rigby Cooke
Lawyers.
The VTA Priority Report is a quarterly
publication. We would welcome editorial
contributions from industry sources.
COVER: Founder and Managing Director
of the group that carries his name, Glen
Cameron has continued a tradition of
recognition for the family's immense
22 contribution to the transport industry.
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 3
VTA EXECUTIVES
VICTORIAN TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION
David Viney
Peter Anderson Administration Mark Smith
Chief Executive Officer Manager Executive Officer VWMA
peter@vta.com.au david@vta.com.au mark@vta.com.au
Kevin Halpin Paul Ryan
Relationship Industrial Relations Amelia De Laine
Manager Advisor Receptionist
kevin@vta.com.au paulryan@bigpond.net.au reception@vta.com.au
Greg Cain Deborah Hogg
Industry Services Member Services Sandi Fulcher
Manager Coordinator Accounts Officer
greg@vta.com.au deborah@vta.com.au sandi@vta.com.au
Rob Connolly Phone: +61 3 9646 8590
Wharf Cartage Advisor Website: www.vta.com.au
rob@vta.com.au
THE VTA IS PLEASED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING NEW SPONSORS AND MEMBERS
• Benjamin and Benjamin • Cookers Bulk Oil System • Sherritt & Sons Pty Ltd
Insurance Group • Merri Transport Pty Ltd
Q&A WITH PRESIDENT MIKE LEAN
How did you first get How have you applied your the day goes by it gets tougher
involved with the VTA? learnings from the military and tougher as priorities change,
customer demands increase and a
to working in the transport
When I was CEO of the Port of host of environmental factors come
Hastings Development Authority,
industry? into play that will thwart your plans.
the VTA were one of the key
stakeholders from whom I received
There is a good quote from What do you think are the
Napoleon Bonaparte “The amateurs biggest issues confronting
valuable guidance on freight in the
discuss tactics: the professionals
state and how it moved around the transport industry?
discuss logistics.” There isn’t a
the economy. Once I became
great deal of difference between
CEO of Wettenhalls I got engaged The key issue for the industry is
a military operational command
with a number of the working ensuring that we have the right
post and a logistics operations
groups which I found to be very people to operate in the sector and
planning cell. You need to plan and
professionally run and gave me then give them the proper training,
think ahead when coordinating the
great practical information to use skills and behaviours to be able to
resources at your disposal to get the
within the business in order to deliver in this century and beyond.
job done.
improve it. It was after I chaired We need to upskill our drivers and
the Ministerial Freight Reference What do you think are the fleet controllers to ensure that they
Group that coordinated the industry keys to running a successful can deliver for our customers safely
input into the Government’s Freight and in compliance with the myriad
transport operation?
Plan: Delivering the Goods in 2018, laws and regulations that govern
that I was invited onto the VTA’s our daily activities
Simplicity. Always do things as
Executive Council and I have been
simply as you can because as
there since then.
4 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
It is indeed humbling to the skills shortages confronting our here to help members manage
welcome you to this issue industry is to advocate for reforms the fall-out of these events
to the heavy vehicle licensing and I encourage you to use the
of Priority Report – my
system that create incentives for Association’s enormous resources
first since being elected as people to cultivate a career in to help you and your business
President of the VTA late transport. during these challenging times.
last year.
The current system is broken I was encouraged to see our
and discourages capable and members seeing the upside to
To have been elected to lead
intelligent young people from the challenging times we face at
the Council of this remarkable
becoming a professional transport our just held State Conference
Association, and to work closely
worker. Reforms the VTA is at Phillip Island. The next issue of
with Peter Anderson and the
advocating for would reduce Priority Report will feature a full
Secretariat, is a great honour and
barriers to entry into our industry, wrap up of the Conference, but it’s
one for which I am very grateful.
whilst creating better skilled worth reinforcing the opportunities
I wish to place on record my industry participants that aspire to that are available to operators,
sincere thanks to my fellow a lifelong career in transport and with transport being an essential
Councillors for entrusting me logistics. part of fire and flood recover,
with this great honour, and to as well as the unprecedented
Driver licensing reform will be
particularly thank our outgoing infrastructure program underway
one of the most significant things
President Cameron Dunn, who in Victoria.
that will happen to our industry in
led the Association with diligence,
Victoria and throughout Australia. I would encourage all members
professionalism and dedication,
It will be a game changer when the to get the fundamentals of their
and through a period of great
reforms we are advocating for are business in order, and to remain
transition for our industry.
enacted, and we honestly believe positive about our industry. Every
The VTA has been instrumental in government is as committed to this road that gets built, every tunnel
advocating for the policy settings as we are. that gets excavated and every
and legislative and regulatory community that gets restored will
Whilst I arrived in the transport
reforms that has led to our success require a combination of road,
industry after a career in the
to date for over a century, and I rail and sea transport. So, remain
military, there are tremendous
look forward as President to help positive and get yourself and
similarities between the two
advancing the issues that are your business in the best possible
sectors, and I see this firsthand
impacting our members most. position to benefit from the
overseeing operations at
opportunities ahead.
Cameron Dunn and the Executive Wettenhalls. Planning and
Council have achieved an organisation are as critical to I look forward to meeting as many
enormous amount over the last running a military operation as VTA members as possible over
three years, and I look forward to they are to running a successful the course of my presidency of
working with the Secretariat to freight and logistics sector, and like this great Association and thank
generate tangible outcomes that any industry our human resources you once again for your support of
directly benefit our members. are what matters most. the VTA.
We are seeing evidence of this The people of our industry are
everyday in the form of progress being tested like never with the
being made on the heavy vehicle summer’s perfect storm of fire,
licensing front, which the VTA has flood and now the impacts of
been leading with great distinction. COVID-19, threatening supply
chains and transport operators Mike Lean
The Council has rightly identified
everywhere. The Association is President
that one of the ways of addressing
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 5
MEMBER PROFILE
TRANSPORT’S LIFETIME ACHIEVERS
Glen Cameron has been
around trucks all his life and
throughout those 67 years
has seen the Cameron
brand as a respected name
and one synonymous with
Australian road transport
history.
Camerons has primarily been a
family owned business and its
operators have achieved the
industry’s highest accolades.
Both Glen and his father Ed are
National Road Transport Hall of
Fame recipients.
Ed was one of trucking’s having completed his secondary pieces of equipment nationally, runs
most respected pioneers and education at Trinity Grammar in up to 400 of its own rigids and semis
was founder of the Victorian Melourne. and has more than 200,000 square
Road Transport Development metres of warehousing space.
However, not all went to plan for
Association, serving as its
the younger Cameron. Glen is proud of the company’s
President.
financial growth, technology and
“Six months after I joined dad’s
In 2015 he was recognised as an safety enhancements, stability
business, he sold it to an English
industry “icon”. from loyal customers and future
company, Mitchell Cotts,” Glen said.
prospects under new CEO Nick
In the early 1950s, Ed and his “It was like a dagger in the heart as
Capp.
brother Don established D&E I had grown up around trucks all
Cameron Transport – later my life, loved them, and thought I “Nick is a dynamic individual and
being joined by another sibling would be the heir apparent to the already has impressed with the
Les – starting with their dad’s family business. acquisition of one of our biggest
1935 Dodge and predominantly accounts by signing a five-year
“Mitchell Cotts subsequently sold
transporting fruit and vegetable contract with global gas giant Air
the business to Linfox in late
produce into the Melbourne Liquide,” Glen said.
1974 and it was Lindsay Fox’s
markets, with journeys from
first venture into interstate road Last year Glen joined an elite group
Brisbane through to Adelaide.
transport.” of 19 individuals when he was
Ed’s frustration with the reliability awarded VTA Life Membership.
Glen set out on his own in June
of English and European trucks
1975 when the then 22-year-old “I was really chuffed and it was
on the harsh Australian roads
launched his logistics company, unexpected,” Glen said. “I’ve been a
led to him striking an agreement
the Glen Cameron Group. He member of the VTA since I started
with Kenworth in the US to import
started with a single eight-tonne my business, so I have had a lot to
seven fully assembled S-model
tray truck and was involved mainly do with it from sitting on different
Kenworths. He subsequently
with regional and metropolitan boards and committees.
became its agent to assemble and
courier and taxi truck work, utilising
sell the units in Australia between “The VTA has worked extremely
the services and contacts of
1962-68. hard for all industry players and is
contractors that were used in the
probably the leading state based
Such was its success that Kenworth Mitchell Cotts business.
organisation. It provides a lot of
bought the Australian business
Today, it is a privately owned, guidance and services to industry
and established its own factories.
multimillion dollar national logistics businesses and lobbies reasonably
Meanwhile, Ed had simultaneously
company with 700 staff and 300- well with our state government
continued his interstate trucking
plus contractors in all Australian and Opposition and is held in high
business and it was with pride that
states. The group has access to 700 regard.”
Glen had joined him in 1970 after
6 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020
CEO’S REPORT
CEO’S REPORT
This issue of Priority Report to farming communities around views of the Terms of Reference
comes hot on the heels of a Australia during the fires, as well the inquiry is considering, with a
summer that has tested the as transport workers doing their bit particular focus on safety, licensing
spirit and fortitude of our to help evacuate people from, and and training, protecting transport
bring food, water, fuel and other worker and businesses in the
nation.
essentials to rural towns. gig economy, and the need for
minimum maintenance standards,
The fires that ravaged our With the fires extinguished and
minimum compliance standards
eastern seaboard and parts of the floods receded, our industry
and minimum contract standards
South Australia and Tasmania in now faces new challenges from the
across our industry.
December and January brought disruption of the coronavirus on
havoc and devastation to workers global supply chains. Imports are Our training providers are also
and businesses. in decline due to a lack of supply continuing to set a frenetic pace
from China and this is starting and I encourage all members
We all watched with admiration
to be felt by consumers. There to take advantage of the many
as fire fighters and emergency
is also a ripple effect to note on training and education programs
service personnel worked
manufactured consumer goods. available to them by visiting www.
tirelessly to rescue and evacuate
Even though a product might not vta.com.au and clicking on the
individuals and families and save
be manufactured or assembled training tab.
property from the ravages of
in China, delays are being caused
the fires. Australians dug deep Our events team has also been
by components made in China not
and gave generously, raising an busy organising a range of social
being as readily available.
unparalleled amount of money for networking events, many of which
our fire rescue services and to help Conversely, exports are also are reviewed in these pages
communities impacted by the fires. being impacted because Chinese including our Christmas Lunch and
factories and industry not TWUSUPER Golf Day.
February brought welcome rain
operating at full capacity have
that extinguished the fires, but The months ahead will test our
limited need for raw materials
also caused massive flooding in industry and I encourage you to
from Australia they may have once
areas that had been starved of use the resources and advice
needed. This is creating insecurity
water for many months, bringing of the VTA to assist you and
among Australian exporters who
new challenges that further tested your business in navigating the
can no longer be certain about
first responders and emergency challenges we all face.
their trade volumes with China.
services.
The pressures on local businesses
And if that wasn’t enough, the
will increase as volumes diminish.
concurrent impacts of coronavirus
The VTA can assist in guiding you
are being felt everywhere in the
through some of these issues
form of massive values being
including any industrial relations
eroded from share markets,
problems. We will continue to
quarantines and restrictions being
monitor activity and reaction as
placed on the movement of people
this issue progresses.
and goods, and the impulsive (and
totally unnecessary) stockpiling of Notwithstanding these challenges,
consumer goods. and what they mean for our
industry, the VTA continue to
The transport industry has
advocate for policy settings and
responded magnificently to these
issues that impact our members,
challenges despite the massive
and it’s been a busy period over
disruptions they have brought, and
the summer months on this front.
continue to bring, to our industry
and the broader economy. It We lodged a submission with
made me proud to see images of the Senate Inquiry into the Road
Peter Anderson
convoys of trucks delivering hay Transport Industry extolling our Chief Executive Officer
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 7
VTA COMMITTEE REPORTS
VTA COMMITTEE REPORTS
will take a lead role with these strongly for real changes throughout
projects along with many more. The 2020.
committee’s workplan framework
Along with the other VTA sub-
will continue whereby 2-3 priority
groups, the Long Distance Group will
topics will drive the activities of
continue to highlight the key issues
the sub-groups. The demands for
and changes required as part of the
businesses will continue to increase
HVNL review; ways of raising the
and evolve, therefore it is vital that
image of the industry and the review
we effectively and efficiently manage
of the many technological advances
In keeping with this year’s these demands.
being presented to the industry.
VTA State Conference Under the Business Productivity and
The People Group will continue with
theme, ‘Managing Operations stream of the General
its key theme which concentrates
Increased Demand’, the Freight Committee workplan,
upon the benefits of investment in
VTA will continue to play a the Wharf Carrier Group will
developing positive organisational
concentrate on the advocacy and
significant role in providing cultures and healthy wellbeing
actions to better manage portside
strong representation and costs, as well as, the significant
programs. There will be more details
about the specific VTA strategy and
advocacy with key regulatory disruptions being created by the
actions proposed throughout this
bodies, government agencies current infrastructure projects. The
year.
and the government, as ‘Big Build’ projects are also placing
many increased direct and indirect The Technology Group will distribute
well as, deliver relevant
demands upon transport and the guidelines to assist organisations
workshops, education in the management of their owner
logistics businesses.
and training with a strong drivers and sub-contractors by
The Earthmovers Group is one
emphasis on the successful using smartphones and cloud
sector that is directly impacted by
VTA Driver Delivery technologies. This is separate to
the challenges of the infrastructure
Program. projects on a daily basis and this
those companies that already
operate effective telematics in their
is not going to diminish in the
The VTA working group sub- businesses. The Group will remain
short term. The ‘Spoil Transport
committee structure has undergone committed to examining new and
Improvement Strategy’ will continue
several minor framework emerging technologies and their
to be advanced by the VTA. At
improvements. In 2020, it will potential advantages for businesses.
the same time, this Group will
continue to provide valuable This also aligns with the above
be particularly focused upon the
feedback to help shape VTA mentioned State Conference theme
increased demands associated
strategies and policies to help -‘Managing Increased Demand’.
with the reform of the ‘Victoria’s
improve industry productivity,
Subordinate Environment Legislation’ It is terrific that the VTA has secured
efficiency and safety.
concerning the Environment continued Victorian Government
The General Freight Group will be Protection Amendment act and its funding to further advance the VTA’s
focused upon: advancing further implementation in 2020. The VTA successful Driver Delivery Program
key improvements for consideration will be also working closely with the in 2020. We invite VTA members
in the review of the National Heavy VWMA to ensure that all members to be involved and to investigate
Vehicle Law; acting upon the impact are strongly represented and have a the opportunities of sourcing job
of congestion and numerous ‘voice’ with the relevant government ready heavy vehicle drivers for their
state infrastructure projects; cost agencies. business through this program. The
escalations involving port activities; VTA is also committed to reforming
In response to the major disruptions
improving heavy vehicle driver and raising the standards of heavy
and unacceptable costs being
licensing; National Heavy Vehicle vehicle licensing and training in
incurred by the operators of the
Pilots involving on road trials and Victoria
Over Size and Over Mass Group, the
price regulation for heavy vehicle
VTA commissioned an independent The Truck Turnaround Times (TTT)
charges; advancing mental health
report with support evidence to project continues and the full 2019
and well-being initiatives in our
demonstrate the significant impact calendar year shows an overall
industry and taking advantage of
upon the operators. Current improvement in most of the long
available technological business
negative and costly practices extend term averages.
solutions.
well past the members of the OSOM
The VTA uses data supplied from a
The General Freight Committee Group, so the VTA will be advocating
number of industry operators, then
8 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020
VTA COMMITTEE REPORTS
averages this data to come up with movements from these operators This helps to explain the differences
the final number. As expressed over time. It measures the total time in TTTs as reported by other
on numerous occasions, the data taken for these trucks to be fully stakeholders.
continues to be obtained from the serviced through the port precinct as
same sources over a number of opposed to the traditional ‘Gate to Greg Cain
years and it accurately reflects the Gate’ measurement. Industry Services Manager
Truck Turnaround Times (TTT) Project for Swanson Dock and Webb Dock
2018
Terminal Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 YTD Ave
West
Swanson 58.6 74.1 48.0 55.2 56.4 58.9 54.9 57.6 47.7 44.8 57.5 57.0 55.9
(DPW)
East
Swanson 41.6 43.9 47.7 43.7 42.7 46.1 40.8 39.7 43.9 41.9 47.3 44.1 43.6
(Patrick)
Webb
Dock 46.9 42.5 42.4 44.3 51.2 47.0 46.6 42.3 54.2 53.4 44.3 51.1 47.2
(VICT)
2019
Terminal Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 YTD Ave
West
Swanson 58.9 53.7 53.6 45.8 59.3 52.8 51.4 54.2 49.1 54.9 56.2 51.5 53.4
(DPW)
East
Swanson 47.2 44.3 46.1 47.0 47.5 46.3 44.6 43.3 57.0 43.7 46.1 44.6 46.5
(Patrick)
Webb
Dock 50.7 48.3 50.2 45.6 38.2 39.6 45.3 42.0 42.3 47.1 49.7 49.1 45.7
(VICT)
Source: TTT’s are calculated once arrival at the docks commences through transport operators’ on-board GPS, and in line with their booked collection time.
Melbourne Ports Precinct Service Time (Minutes) 2018 and YTD 2019
80.0
Melbourne Ports Precinct Service Time (minutes)
75.0
74.1
70.0
65.0
60.0
58.6 58.9 58.9 59.3
57.6 57.5 57.0
56.4 57.0
56.2
55.0 55.2 54.9 54.9
54.2 53.7 54.2
53.4 53.6
52.8
51.2 51.1 51.4 51.5
50.0 50.7 50.2 49.7 49.1
49.1
48.0
47.7 47.7 48.3
46.9 47.0 47.3 47.2 47.0 47.5 47.1
46.1 46.6 46.1 46.3 46.1
45.0 45.8
45.6 45.3
44.3 44.8 44.3 44.3 44.6 44.6
43.9 43.7 43.9 44.1 43.7
42.7 43.3
42.5 42.4 42.3 41.9 42.0 42.3
41.6
40.8
40.0 39.7 39.6
38.2
35.0
30.0
Jan-18
Feb-18
Mar-18
Aptil - 18
May-18
Jun-18
Jul-18
Aug-18
Sep-18
Oct-18
Nov-18
Dec-18
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
West Swanson (DPW) East Swanson (Patrick) Webb Dock (VICT)
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 9
VWMA REPORT
RECYCLING MUST BE A
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Despite a series of government While successful in many other areas
inquiries, audits on statutory of the economy, it is still an area
authorities, regulators and local that’s immature for the waste and
councils, we’ve seen slow progress on recycling sector.
our collective ability to appropriately
A recent economic study carried out
Australia – government, manage a series of sustained
by VWMA estimates that private
impacts to the sector.
community and economy investment contributes more than 95
– has some ambitious There are many factors that have per cent into the Victorian waste and
aspirations for waste contributed to why we’ve seen a recycling system such as sites, assets,
delayed response (collectively) to plant, equipment and trucks.
management and recycling
meeting our current challenges
spurred by the tailwinds including:
Currently, across Australia we see
of closing export markets, a lag in the development of new
• A lack of good, strong and projects because of a broken planning
human and environmental
consistent waste and recycling approval system that does not
health considerations, policy (this includes product meet the needs of what Australia’s
financial risk (to do with stewardship); waste and resource recovery
fire and abandonment), sector and system needs. We will
• misaligned government
inconsistent application of intervention to establish new
also see challenges ahead with
regulation and changing incoming export bans that may not
markets or remedy market
appropriately consider the pipeline of
community expectations. failures;
new assets that must be built.
These results have created a • limited or no consistent ongoing
Our future waste and recycling
landscape characterised by reactive education about the waste
needs would greatly benefit from
policy making, over-consultation on management and recycling
governments across the country
features of our waste and recycling system to the public; and
taking on the marketing and
system and under- consultation on
• the ongoing and difficult challenge engagement message in partnership
other fronts.
of expanding and establishing with the private sector to build the
Collectively, tens of thousands of new waste and recycling services case for why we need to expand
Australians working across thousands and sites from a planning existing assets and build new assets.
of sites and driving thousands of and community acceptance Just like the big infrastructure build
collection vehicles deliver services to perspective. campaigns we’ve seen by federal and
millions of households and businesses state governments.
Unlike the provision of other
across the country. Often our
essential services provided to the Failure to do so will continue to see
sector takes on the environmental
country, waste management more the waste and recycling system
management of the nation’s economy
so than any other service, such as (which is an interconnected network
– not just household consumption
roads, hospitals and energy, does of millions of bins, thousands of
and consumer habits, which is often
not overtly occupy a shared priority trucks, thousands of consolidation
the public’s perception.
with government. and processing points, and secondary
In order for our sector to meet the resource markets/end of life
Governments will often run
challenges ahead of us and to destinations) unable to meet the
advertising, community
continue to support an expanding challenges ahead of us … all of us!
engagement sessions, compensate
economy, we need to grow. We
where needed or carry out other
need to expand existing sites,
activities that build the public
establish new sites, transform how
understanding of why, when, how
we manage secondary resources
this particular infrastructure or
and waste, and continue to reduce
upgrade is taking place. Mark Smith
our reliance on landfills. VWMA Executive Officer
10 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020IR REPORT
A LOOK THROUGH THE
IR CRYSTAL BALL FOR 2020
• ‘Co-operative workplaces’ - a It is expected that the new laws
discussion paper prepared in both pieces of legislation will
by the Attorney’s General commence from 1 May, 2020. See
Department was distributed earlier Industrial Circular 6/2019
prior to Christmas and was open and e-news for more detail on
It is likely that 2020 will for submissions by February 28, these issues.
2020.
be a watershed year Fair Work Commission
for industrial relations • A National Labour Hire (FWC)
generally, but more Regulatory Scheme to be
The Award Modernisation process
considered around specified ‘at
specifically, the transport should conclude in 2020. Both the
risk’ industries which would be
industry will be directly under the jurisdiction of the Fair
Transport Awards (RTD – Road
impacted. It is timely at the Transport & Distribution - and LDO
Work Ombudsman;
– Long Distance Operations) will
start of the working year
• The ability to ‘de-register’ rogue be varied to reflect the new ‘plain
to take a look through the unions and sanction union language’ provisions that have
crystal ball and provide officials who encourage workers been determined by the FWC over
some ‘informed’ advice on to break the law; the past several years. The VTA will
likely issues and possible There are also two Senate Enquiries
continue to keep members informed
outcomes. around this issue;
currently on foot into:
There is an application on foot to
Government Policy/ • The ‘Importance of a Viable,
Legislation Safe, Sustainable and Efficient
vary the LDO Award to remove the
Federal Road Freight Industry’ which will
‘cents per kilometre’ rates and also
increase meal/overnight allowances.
The Federal Government, through report later this year – both the
the Industrial Relations Minister, has VTA and the Australian Road Industrial intelligence reports
released various policy statements Transport Industrial Organisation indicate that further applications to
or made public statements or (ARTIO) lodged submissions in vary the transport awards are likely
flagged legislation around the late 2019. in 2020 around issues concerning:
following issues:
• Wage Theft - a Senate Enquiry • Rates of pay;
• The Government has has been established into this
• Classifications and licensing
introduced legislation around issue and is due to report in
provisions;
superannuation ‘choice of June 2020.
funds’ which could prevent a • Superannuation and leave
super fund being mandated via State loading;
enterprise bargaining;
At the state level, the Victorian
• The Superannuation Guarantee Government has passed legislation
rate, which is currently 9.5 per concerning:
cent of ‘ordinary time earnings’, is
• ‘workplace manslaughter’ and
due to increase in July 2021, but
this could be further postponed. • the Owner Driver & Forestry
Contractors Act.
• The legal processes and
protocols around enterprise Amongst other matters, this will
bargaining are too complex and give the Small Business Commission
need to be simplified, including a (SBC) the power to arbitrate
revamp of the ‘better off overall disputes between hirers and owner Paul Ryan
test’; drivers, as defined. VTA Industrial Relations Advisor
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 11OPINION
ENCOURAGING SIGNS FOR
LANDSIDE PORT OPERATORS
This comes in the face of soaring that we welcome two key initiatives
demand pressures for all operators that point to signs of relief for
due to population growth, lower landside port operators.
inflationary pressures on consumer
Firstly, a plan announced by
goods, and the proliferation
Victorian Freight and Ports Minister
of online shopping. Managing
Melissa Horne for a $125 million
increased demand was the theme
investment to build on-dock rail at
of our just-held State Conference
the Port of Melbourne is welcome
at Silverwater Resort, and was
news for landside operators.
the subject of robust discussions
The plan is intended to make rail
Cost pressures have amongst operators and other
transport more competitive, reduce
dominated conversations for industry stakeholders.
the cost of the port supply chain,
landside freight operators The VTA has been steadfast with and reduce truck congestion at the
servicing the Port of its advice to operators that higher entrance to the port.
Melbourne and elsewhere costs must be passed through the
When the Victorian Government
over the past two years, as supply chain to avoid threats to
leased the Port of Melbourne
jobs, future investment and the
they grapple with managing in 2016 there was hope and
viability of the business. Ultimately
the consequences of higher it is the end consumer that must
scepticism from the transport
business costs that have industry, as a new vision, culture
pay for procuring goods and
and resource was introduced by
impacted supply chains services.
the new Lonsdale consortium
everywhere. So, it is with relief and optimism owners. There was optimism
12 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020OPINION
and to secure the port’s position as
Australia’s largest.
It also recommended there is no
compelling case for economic
regulation of stevedore charges
at the Port of Melbourne at
this time. The government has
indicated it will hold off making
formal decisions about the report’s
recommendations until later in the
year and after the ACCC releases
its Annual Container Stevedore
Monitoring Report.
The year ahead will deliver
important outcomes that we hope
will further ease cost exposures for
landside operators and which are
out of their control. We anxiously
await the ACCC review of Part X
of the Competition and Consumer
Act 2010, along with the Victorian
Government’s response, which
must deliver greater pricing
transparency and efficiencies for
operators at the port.
The VTA Landside Improvement
Strategy addresses issues
productivity gains would secure Network connecting freight hubs
confronting operators at the
Melbourne as the freight capital of in Melbourne’s north and west
port with common-sense
Australia, spurred on by promises to the port, new intermodal
recommendations and solutions.
from the government that ongoing terminals planned at Truganina
While it is being considered by the
development of the port would and Beveridge, new automated
government it delivers on ensuring
enhance its reputation as the signalling for faster rail freight to
that the Port of Melbourne grows in
leading port in Australia. Geelong Port and improvements in
its productivity and efficiency, and
the regional rail freight network.
So, announcements like those that the wharf carrier sector is not
from Minister Horne for significant Secondly, a draft of a Deloitte taken advantage of in the future.
investments in new infrastructure Port Pricing and Access Review
We look forward to working in close
like on-dock rail is welcome news Summary commissioned by
partnership with the government
for an industry desperate for the Victorian Government after
and other key stakeholders to
productivity gains to offset higher petitioning by the VTA has
ensure these projects deliver
trading and business costs. While confirmed costs for the transport
maximum return for the road, rail
improving rail access to the Port sector are rising and having a flow-
and sea freight operators that use
of Melbourne was a legislated on effect throughout the state’s
them, and in turn the people of
condition of its lease, its delivery will economy
Victoria.
help to improve rail freight across
The report reinforces the view
Victoria.
long advocated by the VTA that
We are also pleased the action must be taken to ensure
Andrews Labor Government is productivity improvements are Peter Anderson
supporting the Port Rail Shuttle realised at the Port of Melbourne Chief Executive Officer
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 13VTA DRIVER DELIVERY PROGRAM
INTENSIVE COURSE DELIVERS
‘JOB READY’ DRIVERS
The VTA’s Driver Delivery drivers who do not have the right and chain of responsibility. Other
Program, supported by attitude, skills and abilities to safely educational requirements include
the Victorian Government, operate a complex heavy vehicle. occupational health and safety,
load restraint, driver attitude, risk
continues to be a major focus The VTA successfully advocated for
reduction techniques and road craft.
for the VTA in 2020. It is now and achieved the establishment of
in its second year and it is a review of the state’s heavy vehicle The training is conducted by
licensing processes in 2019 in a bid Armstrongs Driver Education either
making a real difference in
to improve this current unacceptable at its Thomastown or Truganina
attracting suitable individuals situation. locations. It encompasses a solid
with the right attitude to 60 hours in which it delivers a
At the same time, the VTA is
build a rewarding career in driving qualification in either
committed to continuing to make
transport, as well as to help a difference by attracting suitable
heavy rigid synchromesh or heavy
raise the professionalism of combination standards performed
individuals to complete the Driver
by professional instructors.
our industry. Delivery Program in order to become
So far, 85 candidates have
well trained heavy vehicle drivers How does the program work?
who are then ‘job ready’ to be placed
completed the program with a
with VTA member organisations. The VTA manages and administers
further target of 60 candidates set
the program and facilitates the
for this current round. What is the Driver Delivery recruitment processes and the
Under the current heavy vehicle Program? placement with suitable VTA member
licensing system, the bar has been organisations which have a genuine
It is an intensive eight-day course
set too low for getting a heavy vehicle driving position available. The VTA
that guides participants through
driver’s licence in Victoria. The VTA is not a recruitment agency but
safety requirements, fatigue
has genuine concerns that heavy helps match individuals with suitable
management, advanced skills
vehicle licences are being issued to organisations which have heavy
vehicle driver positions.
It is important to note that not
everyone is suited or have the skills
or aptitude to be a safe, professional
heavy vehicle driver. Therefore,
potential candidates are subject
to screening processes which also
includes a physical heavy vehicle
driver assessment.
How can you take advantage
of the Driver Delivery
Program?
If your organisation has a genuine
heavy vehicle driver position
available, then contact the VTA
outlining the position and its
requirements so that the VTA can
monitor and identify potential
suitable candidates for you.
Please direct enquiries to Deborah
Lisa Barker, pictured with Armstrongs
Hogg at the VTA on (03) 9646 8590
Driver Education Operations or deborah@vta.com.au.
Manager Adam Judge in 2018,
was then the VTA Driver Delivery
Program’s 50th graduate and is still Greg Cain
loving the job opportunity provided VTA Industry Services Manager
by Alpha Pack Supplies.
14 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020VTA CADETSHIP PROGRAM
VTA’S 2019 CADETS GRADUATE
The VTA has hosted the
VTA Cadetship Graduation
ceremony, bringing together
candidates, their mentors,
family and friends to
congratulate and celebrate
the Class of 2019.
The VTA cadets had all successfully
completed their Certificate IV in
Logistics. The course involved
a combination of face-to-face
classes, online learning methods
and specific workplace projects and
assessments designed to enhance
learning for the candidates.
The VTA thanks Victoria University
Polytechnics for delivering a well-
designed industry focused course.
Course lecturer Suzanne Crowe, from Victoria University Polytechnics, and
We also thank the VTA’s Deborah VTA Chief Executive Officer Peter Anderson (right) with Nathan Micallef
Hogg for co-ordinating the 2019 (Secon Freight Logistics) following presentation of his award for the ‘Most
program. Consistent Effort’ throughout the VTA Cadetship program in 2019.
The graduates included Kaylah
Anderson, Joey Nguyen, Kimberly Transport Solutions, Secon Freight addressed the group and officially
Gerlach, James Healy, Nathan Logistics, Silk Contract Logistics, presented the certificates to all the
Micallef, Natalie Wreford, Jessica Simon National Carriers, Victorian graduates. We also thank David
Mpantellis, Tyde Presis, Ben Quigley Freight Specialists, Wettenhalls and O’Flynn from Victoria University
and Josh Nelson. Waste Management Services. Polytechnics for facilitating and
delivering the course with Suzanne
Among the VTA member Peter Anderson, VTA CEO and the
Crowe.
organisations involved in the 2019 VTA President, Mike Lean, Suzanne
program were Kelly Logistics, Crowe and Gerard Glennon from Robert Laba and Claude Savino
L. Fraumano Logistics, Murphy Victoria University Polytechnics from TWUSUPER also attended and
we acknowledge the terrific ongoing
support of TWUSUPER for the
Cadetship Program and the VTA.
The Certificate IV in Logistics is
an excellent starting point for
participants to gain a formal
industry qualification.
We congratulate all the 2019
cadets for their involvement
and commitment in successfully
completing the course. Special
acknowledgements to Kimberly
Gerlach (Murphy’s Transport
Solutions) for being awarded the
VTA ‘Cadet of the Year’ and Nathan
Micallef for the ‘Most Consistent
Effort’ in 2019.
Greg Cain
VTA Chief Executive Officer Peter Anderson (left) and President Mike Lean (right) VTA Industry Services Manager
congratulate VTA ‘Cadet of the Year, Kimberly Gerlach (Murphy’s Transport Solutions).
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 15VTA CHRISTMAS LUNCH
MORE THE MERRIER
LAST CHRISTMAS
The VTA has established a For Mike Lean, it was his first Australia, and Justin Simmonds,
new record for its annual opportunity to address industry National Sales Manager for
Christmas Lunch with 350 members and associates as the Vawdrey Semi Trailers and Truck
guests attending the event incoming VTA President. Bodies, which celebrated its 50th
year in 2019.
at the Melbourne Cricket VTA Chief Executive Officer Peter
Ground in December. Anderson welcomed guests to the Guests enjoyed the dining and
MCC Members dining room, while refreshments, along with the
The occasion was one for all within other speakers included sponsor entertainment from singer Sarah
the transport and logistics industry representatives Rob Cavicchiolo, Valentine and comedian Marty
to get together and join in the spirit National Sales Manager – Fields, plus the prize giveaways.
of the festive season. Transport Lubricants, Viva Energy
The Victoria International Container
Among the record number of lunch guests were Paula Terminal’s Leon Peetoom and Fran Simpson
Beckett (left) and Anna Turner, both from Kalari HSE. were among the Christmas Lunch guests.
VTA President Mike Lean addresses Christmas Lunch guests on the Department of Transport table included
guests at the Christmas Lunch. (l-r) David Muir, Catalina Broomhall, Eric Henderson and Kerry Todero.
16 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020VTA CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Sarah Bulmer (Bulmer Agency, left) and Margherita Boemo (Sprint Rob Cavicchioli, from lunch co-sponsor Viva Energy
Gas) enjoyed the camaraderie of the VTA Christmas Lunch. Australia, was among the event’s key speakers.
Anthony Desira (VICT) was among those to get into the The Wettenhalls table included (l-r) its HR Manager Linda
spirit of the occasion by wearing a Christmas party hat. Robertson, Chief Finance Officer Linda Robertson and CEO
Mike Lean, the newly elected VTA President.
Enjoying the VTA Christmas Lunch hospitality
were the TWUSUPER trio of (l-r) Rob Laba,
Marinko Markovic and Claude Savino.
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 17NEWS AND VTA EVENTS
VTA WELCOMES CORONAVIRUS
STIMULUS PACKAGE
The Victorian Transport less than $500 million (up from “The transport sector had been
Association has welcomed $50 million) until 30 June 2020; hit hard by the impacts of the
measures outlined in • the introduction of a time limited coronavirus on domestic and
the $17.6 billion stimulus 15-month investment incentive international supply chains, with
(through to 30 June 2021) to imports and exports experiencing
package announced by Prime
support business investment and short-term declines due to a
Minister Scott Morrison economic growth over the short reduction in demand from China
to help households and term, by accelerating depreciation during the peak of the outbreak
businesses confront the social deductions; there,” said VTA CEO Peter Anderson.
and economic challenges • cash flow assistance for
“We are seeing signs of recovery
presented by the coronavirus. businesses to help challenges
from China however, and
resulting from the economic
transport operators should have
Key features of the package include impacts of the coronavirus and
every confidence that demand
a one-off payment for households help businesses retain their
for consumer goods, building,
with family tax benefits to encourage employees;
construction and other raw materials
spending in the economy, as well • Boosting cash flow for employers
will be sustained by measures
as an instant asset write-off, that will provide up to $25,000
outlined in the Commonwealth
accelerated depreciation scheme and (tax-free) back to small and
stimulus package to keep the
cashflow boost for employers, and medium-sized businesses, with a
economy ticking over.
wage assistance for apprentices and minimum payment of $2,000 for
trainees. eligible businesses; and “I urge any transport operator
• supporting apprentices and experiencing hardship to take
For business, the package includes:
trainees with eligible employers advantage of support that is now
• increasing the instant asset
able to apply for a wage subsidy of available, and to contact the VTA
write-off threshold from $30,000
50 per cent of the apprentice’s or or their state-based transport
to $150,000 and expanding
trainee’s wage for up to 9 months association for guidance and
access to include businesses with
from 1 January 2020 to 30 assistance during this challenging
aggregated annual turnover of
September 2020. time,” he said.
STORM DISRUPTS GOLFERS
Thunder and lightning forced players off the course and shortened the competition to seven holes
when the Viva Energy Australia golf day was held at The National Golf Club - Long Island.
The winning performance was by the
Maxitrans team of Cameron Knowles,
Paul Sarant, Stuart Farrow and
Robert Marlais.
Runners-up were the TWUSUPER
foursome of Rob Laba, Marinko
Markovic, John Arnott and Phillip
Dignan, with third place gained by the
Barker Trailers team of Ian Brownlee, VIVA Energy Australia’s Nick Lubransky (left) and the VTA’s Peter Anderson (far right)
congratulate the winning golf team (second l-r) Robert Marlais, Paul Sarant, Cameron Knowles
Gavin Hinneberg, Dale Bond and and Stuart Farrow, representing MaxiTrans.
Chris Perry.
VTA EVENTS CALENDAR 2020
Following is a list of programmed VTA events for 2020. We encourage members to participate.
April May June
29 (Wednesday) TBC. TBC
Ministerial Breakfast VTA Regional Tours Port Outlook
Sponsor: SG Fleet/HLB Mann Judd Sale/Albury-Wodonga/Portland Sponsor: Port of Melbourne
18 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020RIGBY COOKE LAWYERS
NEW INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER
LAWS EXPLAINED
With the recent introduction breach of an applicable duty WorkSafe Victoria will be
of the offence of workplace owed to another person, and responsible for investigating the
manslaughter in Victoria, it is where the conduct causes the new offence using their powers
death of that other person; under the OHS Act.
important for organisations
and their officers to • a person who is an officer of Other states and territories
understand the risks should an applicable entity will commit
There are no plans to introduce
workplace manslaughter when
they fail to maintain their industrial manslaughter legislation
they engage in conduct that
health and safety obligations. is negligent, in breach of an
in NSW, SA or Tasmania. However,
Queensland, the ACT and Northern
applicable duty owed by the
In this article, we unpack the recent Territory have passed laws with
entity to another person, and
changes to the Occupational varying penalties and legislation
where the conduct causes the
Health and Safety Act 2004 in is pending in Western Australia.
death of that other person.
Victoria, what this means for The Federal Coalition government
your business and the significant What is negligent conduct? has also previously taken the
penalties that could occur in the position that specific industrial
instance of an offence. This is defined as: manslaughter laws are not
required.
What has changed? • a great falling short of the
standard of care that would Considerations for employers
Amendments to the Occupational
have been taken by a reasonable
Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS • Consider whether the
person in the circumstances in
Act) passed Victorian Parliament organisation and its officers
which the conduct was engaged
on 29 October 2019, with the understand the health and
in; and
introduction of the offence of safety risks in their operations
workplace manslaughter as • causes a high risk of death, and implement effective controls
part of the Workplace Safety serious injury or serious illness for any risks and hazards
Legislation Amendment (Workplace (including a mental illness).
• Consider what information and
Manslaughter and Other Matters)
Bill 2019 (Bill). Are there any penalties? support may be necessary to
assist officers to comply with
The Bill received Royal Assent A breach of the offences will carry their personal duties
on 3 December 2019 and is a maximum penalty of 25 years
• Stay up to date on any legislative
due to commence on a day to imprisonment for a company officer
changes and how it could impact
be proclaimed or 1 July 2020, or a fine of 100,000 penalty units
their organisation
whichever occurs first. (currently $16,522,000) for a body
corporate.
What’s new?
Late last year, the Victorian Rob Jackson
Two workplace manslaughter
Attorney-General and workplace
offences will be introduced into the Workplace Relations and
safety minister Jill Hennessy
OHS Act that will legislate that: Occupational Health & Safety
explained to reporters that “the
Partner
• a person will commit workplace standard is very high because the
Rigby Cooke Lawyers
manslaughter when they engage penalty is very high”, suggesting that
in conduct that is negligent, in the offence will not be easy to prove.
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 19GALLAGHER
EMPLOYER FOCUS ON WORKERS’
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
illnesses within this industry (Safe equipment provision and
Work Australia, 2020). psychological and physical
assessments of capacity
According to Safe Work Australia,
the transport industry accounts • Sets a framework for workforce
for 4 per cent of workers’ management (e.g., ageing
compensation claims for injuries workforce)
and diseases involving one or more
• Is utilised in return to work
weeks off work. There are around
planning as well as injury and
5,100 workers’ compensation
claim prevention.
claims from the road transport
The workforce of the
industry each year for injuries and Understanding the inherent
Australian transport diseases involving one or more requirements of a job enables
industry is experiencing a weeks off work. This equates to 14 an employer to align the
significant change and with serious claims each day. performance of their workers
the evolution of traditional By identifying and understanding
with organisational demands.
and non-traditional duties the demands of a role,
For example, by providing mature
aged workers with appropriate
as well as a continued organisations are able to assess
duties to meet their cognitive and
diversification of gender, an employee’s ability to meet
physical capacity, organisations
age and background it the role’s inherent requirements
will successfully maintain their
and keep them safe. The IROJ
means that organisations productivity levels and retain
document details the functional
have to maintain a key requirements of a role from a
important knowledge and
focus on providing a safe experience. This is good for workers’
physical, psychosocial, cognitive,
mental and physical health and the
and efficient workplace. and environmental perspective.
organisation.
Documenting and understanding A failure to truly understand the
Gallagher’s Work Place Risk team
the Inherent Requirements of a specific requirements of a role
(previously P2 Group) provides
Job (IROJ) for key roles within means that employees can be ill-
experienced and qualified
an organisation in the transport suited or incapable of performing
Occupational Therapists to
industry places employers in a all of their job functions resulting
undertake assessments and
unique position to take control in: poor performance, inefficiency,
complete the IROJ documentation.
over many costly aspects of their staff turnover, likely injury, and
This includes in-depth exploration
workforce. costly WorkCover claims.
of the key tasks performed within
Furthermore, road transport The IROJ document provides an the role and consideration of the
has been identified as a national important resource which: overall demands of the job within
priority under The Australian the workplace where the job is
• Enables effective HR and
Work Health and Safety Strategy normally conducted.
workforce management
2012–2022 due to high rates of
IROJ documentation is critical in
work-related fatalities, injuries, and • Guides recruitment, training,
effective workforce management,
will assist with maintaining focus
on an industry wide issue and
aids in fulfilling legal and moral
requirements of monitoring
employees’ health and wellbeing.
If you would like to discuss
documenting the Inherent
Requirements of roles within
your organisation, or receive a
complimentary example document,
please contact Gallagher Work
Place Risk Team on 03 9818 8914.
Paul Marsh
Joint CEO, Gallagher
caption
20 Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020GRAYSONLINE
GRAYSONLINE FOCUSED AS
STANDALONE MANAGEMENT
GraysOnline, recently the
subject of a management
buyout, is no longer part of
the ASX-listed Eclipx Group.
While GraysOnline enjoyed
continued growth and
success in recent years as
part of the larger group, the
management team now has
a renewed focus on its core
business. GraysOnline has provided specialist services to the transport
industry for more than 20 years and this Kenworth was among the
This change is great news for recent units it has sold through online and traditional auctions.
the broader commercial auction
industry and the large GraysOnline
customer base. The new
to thousands of assets sourced enthusiasts recently battled it out
management team is made up of
from industry operators, receivers for a piece of Australian motorsport
senior, experienced auctioneers
and manufacturers, available to history. The first car driven by Peter
and industry veterans – hands-
purchase via online auctions. Brock in the legendary Bathurst
on management with a focus
race at Mount Panorama, a pristine
on providing great value to both Transport asset vendors benefit
1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS 350,
vendors and buyers. from a huge customer base
went for a whopping $455,000. It
numbering in the millions, and
Chris Corbin, CEO of GraysOnline, became the highest value car ever
growing every day. GraysOnline
said: “As a management team that sold on the platform.
is one of the most efficient
has been in this industry for many
marketplaces for transport assets Led by an energetic and dedicated
years, we’re immensely pleased
in Australia and the wider Asia management team of industry
to have taken the opportunity to
Pacific region. veterans who own and run the
purchase GraysOnline and run it
business, GraysOnline will continue
as a standalone business. We love The company offers a wide range
to offer exceptional service
this business and industry and of assets including trucks, trailers,
to vendors and buyers in the
are very excited for the future of vans, buses and cars. Currently,
transport industry.
GraysOnline”. GraysOnline has more transport
assets than ever before, with
With a storied history spanning
stand-out items soon to be listed.
nearly 100 years, GraysOnline
is the largest industrial, auto As well as sourcing and selling
Terry Rowland
and commercial online auction commercial transport assets,
Head of Corporate Sales,
business in Australasia. Buyers in GraysOnline has sold some unique
GraysOnline
the transport industry have access and exotic vehicles. Motor racing
Priority Report | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 21You can also read
