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Change of leadership for the QTA

Bryan Smith becomes vice-president while Lance Law also joins board

All Purpose Transport (APT) director Paul Kahlert has been elected Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) president, succeeding the outgoing Julie Russell.

Kahlert has been at APT for more than three decades, rising through the ranks to be the company’s CEO, a role he has held for the past 17 years, and notably becoming an early adopter of electric trucks in Australia.

Russell had been elected in 2017 as the association’s first female president.

She steps down after recently taking a board role on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) while also representing the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) board and leading family business Russell Transport.

Meanwhile, Rocky’s Own Transport CEO Bryan Smith is elected vice-president, while Lance Law of Innisfail Carrying Company is also a new board member.

The QTA board, confirmed at the recent AGM, now comprises:

  • Paul Kahlert – All Purpose Transport – president (newly elected)
  • Bryan Smith – Rocky’s Own Transport – vice president (newly elected)
  • Julie Russell – Russell’s Transport – immediate past-president
  • Tracie Dickenson – Daryl Dickenson Transport – treasurer
  • Kevin Alexander – Bonds Transport Group
  • Samantha Clayton – Barnes Auto Co – Brisbane
  • Ben Colvin – Prochem Agencies – Mackay
  • Cheryl Connor – Exodas Transport – Brisbane
  • Lance Law – Innisfail Carrying Co – Innisfail (newly elected)
  • Michael Mahon – MJ Mahon Transport – Brisbane
  • David Simon – Simon National Carriers

“I would like to start by acknowledging the outstanding contribution of outgoing president Julie Russell, who stepped down after four years in the role,” QTA president Gary Mahon says in a communique.

“As the association’s first female president in its history, Julie was a committed and dedicated president and was wholly invested in the role. 

“I would like to thank Julie for her contribution to the association and look forward to her continuing involvement as immediate past-president.


Read how 2021 is business as usual for the ATA, here


“New association president and previous vice president Paul Kahlert will bring a new dimension to the board and I look forward to working with Paul, along with our newly elected vice president Bryan Smith.

“Our executive team will be strengthened further with the continuation of Tracey Dickenson in the role of treasurer for 2021.”

Mahon welcomes the regional perspective offered by Smith and Law.

“It is extremely important to have regional representation on the board and Bryan will bring that along with his years of experience as CEO of Rocky’s Own Transport. 

“The regional representation has also been boosted by the election of Lance Law from Innisfail Carrying Company. 

“We look forward to welcoming Lance onto the Board and becoming involved in the Association’s policy and advocacy discussions. 

“I would also like to acknowledge Alex Tenkate who has served on the Board for the past 8 years and did not seek re-election this year.”

Mahon reflects on the association’s achievements at its AGM and looks ahead to its objectives for the year ahead.

“The association started 2021 in a strong financial position and we will continue to grow services that reflect your business needs.  

“One of these new initiatives is the Road Freight Resilience Program – a short course program that focuses on business viability, efficiency and growth themes. 

“This is a low-cost, high-value program with the content being available on demand to be completed when you are ready. 

“Another initiative is the new workforce Smart Business Seminars and Webinars being facilitated by our Workforce Partner The Busy Group.

“This week also saw the launch of the Rotary #GetYourBumIntoGearQld tour to increase the awareness of the importance of early detection of bowel cancer by using the bowel scan kits. 

“We have partnered with Rotary for this tour around Queensland between 12-29 April and providing free bowel scan kits to drivers under 50.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto expects Kahlert’s appointment to “continue the strong leadership that the QTA board provided heavy vehicle operators”.

“Paul has represented QTA as vice president and will continue to lead a board that is a passionate advocate for heavy vehicle operators across Queensland,” Petroccitto says.

“I look forward to working with Paul and the QTA on a number of important reforms, policy challenges and research projects in the coming years.

“I would also like to thank outgoing president Julie Russell for her work and contribution to the Queensland heavy vehicle industry in that time.”

“Julie will continue to have an important role to play in heavy vehicle safety and productivity as a member of the NHVR board.”

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