NatRoad and the Australian Road Train Association (ARTA) have announced an agreement to combine their memberships under the one banner. A
NatRoad and the Australian Road Train Association (ARTA) have announced an agreement to combine their memberships under the one banner.
A statement from the new organisation says the merger creates “Australia’s foremost national heavy vehicle membership-driven representative body”.
While it will be known as NatRoad in the short form, the ARTA name will continue under the long title of the National Road Transport Operators Association Incorporating the Australian Road Train Association.
The partnership has expanded the organisations’ representative ability, which now extends coast-to-coast and covers all heavy vehicle operators.
As well as increasing its lobbying power, the new organisation expects the amalgamation to provide a comprehensive service to new and existing members, such as in the areas of fatigue management, industrial relations and occupational health and safety.
NatRoad will also set up a 24-hour helpline and run workshops on key industry issues.
The decision to merge stemmed from the long-standing relationship between the ARTA and NatRoad.
“In reality, this move simply formalises what has long been a natural fit between the two organisations whilst removing the duplication of policy development and membership services,” NatRoad President Rob McIntosh says.
The proposal to join both organisations was strongly supported by their individual memberships at their respective annual general meetings.
NatRoad Chief Executive Bernie Belacic will maintain his role in the new organisation, while ARTA Chief Executive Duncan Bremner will take up a deputy role.