The TTA has quit the Australian Trucking Association because it could not afford the "out of orbit" membership fees
By Brad Gardner | January 27, 2009
A state-based representative body has quit the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) because it could not afford the “out of orbit” membership fees.
The Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) has ended its association with the peak lobbying body because its small membership base meant it struggled to pay its fees.
TTA Executive Director Robin Phillips says the organisation will now have its mainland interests met by the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), of which it has been a member of for six months.
Phillips claims the ATA passed significant membership increases the last few years, which he says can only be met by corporate stakeholders.
“The cost of membership was not justifiable. The costs were out of orbit the last few years,” Phillips says.
However, a spokesman for the ATA has denied the organisation charges too much.
He says “our member fees represent good value for money” because the ATA is responsible for more rest areas being built and ensuring the fuel excise will not be indexed.
In a statement, ATA Chairman Trevor Martyn lamented the TTA’s decision, saying it will be harder for the ATA to gain a perspective on Tasmanian trucking issues.
However, Phillips says the partnership between the TTA and the VTA is a perfect fit because both organisations have members dealing with cross-strait issues.
“We have more than enough representation,” Phillips says.