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ATA cancels Trucking Australia conference due to Coronavirus concerns

Move follows ALC’s postponement of its Sydney forum

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA’s) Trucking Australia 2020 conference, which was to be held in Cairns from April 1-3 – a move that garnered support and commiserations from Canberra. 

The outcome follows the Australian Logistics Council’s (ALC’s) recent postponement of its ALC Forum 2020 to October 28-29.

The ATA board of directors made the decision this morning, “after considering advice about the spreading crisis”.   

“The decision to cancel Trucking Australia 2020 was not an easy one, but it was the right one,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch says. 

“For 30 years, the ATA has argued that it is good business for trucking companies to implement “health and safety measures that go beyond government requirements. 

“We could do nothing else but apply the same ethos to our event.

“The board understands the disappointment this will cause our delegates, sponsors and presenters. We share this disappointment. Our team has worked extremely hard over the past six months to develop a fresh and exciting conference program and great social events. But the only responsible course is to cancel the event. 

All delegates will receive a full refund of their Mega Deal or registration fees. The ATA will announce arrangements for the next Trucking Australia when the situation becomes clearer. We will keep delegates and our stakeholders up to date.” 

Crouch went on would like to thank all our event sponsors: BP, National Transport Insurance, Volvo Group Australia, Paccar Australia, AEI Transport, Brighter, Cummins South Pacific, Daimler, ERoad, KPMG, Telstra, MaxiTRANS, Penske, Pickles, Seeing Machines, Teletrac Navman, Sutton Road Training Centre and Thermo King. 

The ALC conference will take place at the same venue – William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm in Sydney.

“ALC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this development may have caused,” CEO Kirk Coningham says.

“We recognise and appreciate that all participants have invested significant time and effort to contribute to the program.

“This effort will not be wasted –the Forum in October will present a comprehensive program, while permitting more people to attend.

“ALC appreciates your understanding and we thank you for your continued support.”


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Federal freight minister Scott Buchholz, who was scheduled to attend and speak at the three day ATA event, backed for the association’s judgement.

 “I know this was an extremely difficult decision for the ATA, sponsors, delegates and organisers to make,” Buchholz says.

 “This is the best decision in the interest of the industry, community and all attendees – based on the best medical advice.

“The ATA has demonstrated that they, like the entire transport industry are taking the threat of Covid-19 seriously.

“By taking decisive action, what the decision should signify to the entire supply chain is that this is a serious public health issue and all stakeholders should implement health and safety measures that go above and beyond.

“Our nation relies heavily on the transport sector and the transportation of supplies is critical to health and safety.

“As recently as yesterday, I joined a teleconference with the deputy prime minister and transport industry representatives to discuss the Covid-19 threat and how we can continue to support the industry.”

“We know that without trucks, Australia stops.

“Australia is not immune as a country, however we are as well prepared as anybody could possibly be.”

Meanwhile, the ATA says that, over the coming weeks, it will focus on:

  • providing government decision makers with accurate and timely information about the impact of the pandemic
  • advocating on behalf of its members at a
  • providing authoritative information to industry.

 

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