LOBBY MOVES: From stick-carrier to industry lobbyist, Philip Halton quits RTA to lead livestock transporters
From stick-carrier to industry lobbyist, Philip Halton has been named the new head of the livestock transporters’ association.
Halton, the most visible bureaucrat in the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), will quit his post to become CEO of the Australian Livestock Transporters Association (ALTA).
Current CEO Luke Fraser is stepping down from the role he has held since 2005.
Halton has held senior roles in the RTA for the last five years and has worked as a public servant, advisor and consultant in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and in Canberra.
ALTA National President David Smith says Halton has “unshakeable commitment” to road safety and the economic contribution of the road transport industry.
“His experience will be a great asset to the ALTA as we continue the push for better safety and productivity outcomes across the livestock and grain sector supply chains that our members work in,” Smith says.
Smith says Fraser has led from the front in pushing safety and efficiency reforms.
“Luke has had great impact in taking the ALTA into a closer relationship with customer groups in the meat and livestock and grains industries. Luke has also been an important defender of fair charging of our industry – he led ALTA opposition to over-taxing that saved all trucking operators thousands of dollars per truck in unwarranted charges,” he says.
As the national representative for state associations, the ALTA represents some 800 transport companies throughout Australia.