Covid-19 protection and driver care pack measures lauded during visit
Assistant Minister for Freight Transport Scott Buchholz has extolled the virtues of Woolworths’ supply chain support and truck driver care packages.
In a statement after visiting the supermarket’s Brisbane Regional Distribution Centre at Larapinta, Buchholz says he was subject to its “strict coronavirus measures” and commended its recent initiatives.
“I was visiting for a short meeting with the site supply chain manager and a small group of team members, including a truckie and the regional transport manager,” he says.
“It is important that we, as Government, have a clear understanding of the supply chains we’re relying on to get goods from one place to another.”
Buchholz says he has been working with “industry representatives, owner-drivers and businesses” during the coronavirus pandemic to explore ways to limit disruption to supply chains, with one of the key issues raised being the importance of protecting staff and particularly truck drivers.
“The Woolworths team, to their absolute credit, have implemented strict coronavirus protection measures – including temperature checks, isolation stations, social distancing and sign-in requirements,” Buchholz says.
Ron Finemore Transport was also complimentary towards Woolworths
About 4,000 care packages were being distributed to drivers across the country, put together by Woolworths team members, the supermarket reports.
“The last couple of months have been extremely busy across our entire supply chain network,” Woolworths chief supply chain officer Paul Graham says.
“The additional volume of stock flowing through our distribution centres and into stores has only been made possible with the support of our valued transport partners and their teams.
“Many drivers will have made sacrifices at work or at home to keep the food and essentials flowing into stores for Australian communities.
“We appreciate everything they do for Woolworths, and the care packs are just a small way of giving something extra back and saying thank you for all their efforts.
“Truck drivers are essential to our business and we want to do what we can to support their safety and wellbeing as well, just like we do for our own team members.”
Buchholz deems the care packs a great idea to support drivers.
“Small measures such as this send a strong signal to our transport industry: thank you, we appreciate you and let’s work together,” Buchholz says.