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ARTSA and HVIA join forces in new industry alliance

ARTSA now a policy research body as HVIA bolsters advocacy role

 

Peak truck and componentry bodies Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) have formed a new partnership combining their resources and expertise.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was passed at the ARTSA AGM today and has been approved by the HVIA board.

The MOU will see ARTSA become the ARTSA Institute and its sole purpose will be on policy research – “much like an independent think-tank”, a statement says.

“The institute will continue to operate the ARTSA data analytics project and this data will help them service the existing customers and any new customers of that service.”

The organisations have many dual members, with one of the benefits seen to be the rationalisation of member-related activities such as training, information, events, conferences, advocacy and committee meetings.  

ARTSA will discontinue corporate membership, with existing members encouraged to join HVIA, “who will continue to offer its broad suite of member services to ensure continuity of representation”.

A fee deal has been agreed for the swap, while dual members will now pay one membership fee.

ARTSA will provide its existing technical collateral to HVIA so that members can continue to access it.

“It is envisaged that HVIA’s national footprint, structure, governance, advocacy and resources can complement the passion, enthusiasm and technical expertise of ARTSA members and HVIA’s existing work program and technical advocacy will be strengthened,” the statement adds.


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“The industry has been calling for consolidation for some time but it’s not easy to implement,” HVIA CEO Todd Hacking says.

“This is a massive benefit for the industry and the HVIA Board and ARTSA Executive should be applauded for taking bold action in the best interests of the industry.”

ARTSA chair Martin Toomey adds: “ARTSA members knew we had to change.

“This decision allows the new ARTSA Institute to focus our efforts on research and continue to make a strong contribution to the broader industry by tackling the tough issues that have often been overlooked due to the pressures of the day-to-day running of the association.”

HVIA president John Drake has been on the working committee to implement the change.

“This change is a win, win, win,” Drake says.

“HVIA’s technical and regulatory services will be boosted; the industry wins by saving time and money, and providing a single advocacy voice will make it easier for government, the regulator and key stakeholders.

“It also delivers a much needed research capacity for the heavy vehicle sector.”

The two organisations have agreed to continue to work together collaboratively in the best interests of the heavy vehicle industry.

ARTSA Institute will be independent and available to work with government or the private sector as required.

The MOU outlines the following vision statements:

  1. The heavy vehicle industry is an important industry to the Australian economy
  2. HVIA members deserve a strong peak body to represent them on current regulatory and technical issues and will continue to advocate in the best interests of its members
  3. HVIA will continue to inform, educate and train industry personnel to ensure the most up to date, relevant advice is being provided to its members
  4. HVIA through its events, awards functions, Brisbane Truck Show and ComVec will seek to promote the industry, its members, the role of the industry, and advise of any threats to, or opportunities for the prosperity of the industry
  5. HVIA will continue to engage with decision makers, government, regulators and stakeholders to achieve its vision statement of “An innovative, prosperous heavy vehicle industry supporting the safest, most productive fleet.”
  6. The ARTSA Institute will offer their independent research service in a manner that focuses on thought leadership and forward thinking technical proposals, and where there is a benefit, HVIA may support the Institute to undertake research projects that benefit the industry
  7. ARTA Institute will seek to involve its individual members in project work and will seek to develop the capabilities of its individual members
  8. HVIA and the ARTSA Institute agree that the industry will be better served by a collaborative approach and will remain connected through an annual strategic planning session.

 

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