It’s been a big year for owner drivers and truck operators with key legislation getting passed to make the industry fairer, safer and more sustainable. For years, truck operators have felt the squeeze with deadlines getting tighter and working conditions getting cut into, as the big wealthy clients at the top of the supply chain get increasingly ruthless. One of the key points of focus for the Closing the Loopholes legislation is the road transport industry with legislative changes in place to allow for standards to be set to protect drivers.
On February 8, Federal Parliament passed the Closing the Loopholes legislation. While these unique world-first laws cover a range of areas, one of the key areas involved is the road transport industry. What is important is that the legislation stipulates that an expert panel which includes industry people with experience provides advice to the Road Transport Advisory Group. This could be for something like setting minimum standards for payment terms.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Pocket rocket behind the wheel of custom designed K200
- Hawk Logistics acquires Farragher Logistics
- Western Truck Group acquires new truck centre
- Followmont Transport announces new CEO
- Inside the changes to Volvo’s new FH Aero
There are also provisions for dealing with disputes which makes the process fairer for truck drivers and transport operators. For owner-drivers, the legislation also introduces an unfair contracts dispute resolution function for independent contractors. The legislation also includes gig workers to protect our industry from going down the low road of the gig model.
This legislation has been a long time coming, with numerous lobbying delegations to Canberra, led by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) making it clear that legislative change was needed to make the transport industry fairer and safer for truck drivers, transport operators, gig workers and employers, as well as the general community with whom we share the roads. This process took the form of visible displays such as convoys and protests, as well as conversations had with politicians in Parliament from all sides. I’ve been part of what feels like dozens of delegations over the years and it was a pretty incredible feeling this year finally seeing the results of that work from everyone in the industry.
Last year we were involved in two national industry convoys calling on Federal Parliament to enact laws to make the road transport industry safer and fairer. These huge nation-wide convoys generated a massive amount of publicity for the laws, with the Prime Minister even commenting on the need for the laws. We addressed the media a few times last year outlining the challenges owner drivers have been facing and the need for meaningful legislative protection for not just us but the whole industry.
Importantly, a delegation comprising members of the transport industry – not just truck operators, but associations representing transport companies – lobbied federal politicians, making the case for the Closing the Loopholes legislation to get passed. Special mention should go to Senator Glenn Sterle who was instrumental in uniting the transport industry.
The new laws came into effect in August, when the first applications were made to the Fair Work Commission by the TWU in consultation with the industry. One application was for setting standards for last mile parcel delivery drivers carrying out local deliveries for companies like Amazon Flex and Australia Post. Another application calls for maximum 30-day payment terms, so industry players don’t have to wait long periods, such as 60-120 days, to get paid. In addition, the union will also be able to represent short-haul owner drivers and operators in the case of unfair contract terminations.
This year there has been further progress, with the approval of funds for the construction of new rest areas or the upgrade of existing ones as part of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program. I’m proud to be part of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Committee as it focuses on a tangible solution to truck driver fatigue. New sites for rest areas have been approved and the committee is looking at applications for more sites. By improving things such as suitable parking, toilet facilities, shelters and increasing footpaths which provide an exercise option for truck drivers and other road users, we are contributing towards a safer travelling environment for not just truck drivers, but ultimately all road users.
Whether it’s through significant legislative reform to change the transport industry or seeing practical changes to truck driver safety through the creation of rest areas, in 2024 we have definitely seen great progress in the trucking industry. I hope next year we can build on this and see some even greater changes within the industry and factors that affect us. I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and New Year’s and stays safe on the roads with all the extra traffic!
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.