As we approach the NRFA Conference in Brisbane on February 15, 2025, we stand at a pivotal moment for the road transport industry. Our mission is clear: to ensure that owner-drivers, drivers and small fleet operators have a strong voice in shaping our industry’s future. We have made significant strides, but our work is far from over, and it is critical that every one of us is involved in the conversations that will guide the changes still to come.
The HVNL reforms currently underway represent just the beginning of what needs to be a far-reaching transformation. While these changes promise a step in the right direction by delivering a more flexible and less prescriptive legal framework, they should be seen as the bare minimum necessary to address the long-standing issues we face. The drawn-out process of reform has been slow and frustrating for many of us, and it is essential that we keep pushing for ongoing improvements that will extend well beyond the current review.
This is where you, the owner-drivers, drivers and small fleet operators, come in. The reforms will have the most impact when those of us who live and breathe this industry every day are directly involved in shaping their implementation. Now more than ever, we need your voice, your experience and your determination to ensure that these reforms truly address the challenges we face behind the wheel.
The upcoming NRFA Conference is a vital opportunity for us to come together, share our insights and set the course for the future. We are excited to welcome international experts Dean Croke and Chuck Snow to this event. Their insights into global trends, data-driven strategies and innovative solutions will provide valuable perspectives that can help us understand how to adapt to and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
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Dean Croke brings a wealth of knowledge in freight analytics and safety technology, highlighting how we can harness data to make better decisions that improve driver safety and operational efficiency. Chuck Snow, CEO and a veteran in the logistics industry, will share his extensive experience in creating resilient, efficient transport networks that work in real-world scenarios. Their expertise is a powerful reminder that our industry is not standing still—we need to continually evolve and innovate to remain competitive.
While the HVNL reforms represent progress, they are just a starting point. The NRFA is committed to pushing beyond these initial changes to ensure that our industry continues to adapt and grow. We understand that the issues facing owner-drivers, drivers and small fleets are complex and require ongoing attention, not just a one-time legislative fix. The real work begins once this current round of reforms is delivered and we must keep advocating for practical, driver-focused solutions that prioritise safety, flexibility and fairness.
One of our key objectives remains the embedding of the ‘Inform, Educate, and Enforce’ approach into the HVNL. This message is met with little understanding by the bureaucrats who have never had to undergo the scrutiny of our enforcement agencies that do not subscribe to the NHVR’s method. By the inclusion of these words within the HVNL as the only way of enforcement, we can ensure a balanced approach from all enforcement agencies.
The NRFA’s mission has always been to provide a voice for owner-drivers, drivers and small fleet operators. The more of us who stand together, the more powerful our collective voice becomes in influencing policy and driving meaningful change. We have already secured important wins, such as the Transport Division of Fair Work, which was established following our persistent advocacy during the ‘Without Trucks Australia Stops’ inquiry. This division can now act as the mechanism for minimum standards reforms for our industry.
Our recent member benefits, like the 8.5 cents per litre discount from Ampol, demonstrates our commitment to delivering tangible value to our members. But our strength is not in these perks alone—it lies in the shared vision of a future where our industry is safe, sustainable and fair for everyone. We will continue negotiating more benefits that directly support the daily needs of our members, reinforcing the value of NRFA membership.
The most critical element in all of this is you—the drivers, owner-drivers and small fleet operators who form the backbone of the road transport industry. Without your input and active participation, the risk is that decisions about our industry will continue to be made without fully understanding the on-the-road realities. The NRFA’s commitment is to keep fighting for changes that matter, but we need every one of you to join us at the table.
This is not just about attending a conference or being part of an association—it is about ensuring that your voice shapes the rules that govern your livelihood. We are entering a phase where ongoing reforms and improvements to the HVNL will continue, and it is crucial that we maintain momentum to drive the changes that will deliver real-world benefits for drivers, not just theoretical promises.
The NRFA Conference 2025 is more than just an event—it is a rallying point for our collective vision of a better future. As we gather to hear from leaders, let their insights inspire us to think bigger and push harder for the changes we need. But most importantly, let their words remind us that innovation and progress start with us.
The HVNL reforms might be a necessary step forward, but they are not the destination. Our goal is a continuously improving landscape where the voice of every owner-driver, driver and small fleet operator is heard loud and clear. The changes we seek will not come overnight, but they will come faster and more effectively if we stand united.
Now is the time to step up, join the NRFA and engage with the process that will shape the future of road transport in Australia. Let us make 2025 the year where we don’t just settle for the bare minimum but push for a standard that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of those who keep Australia moving. Together, we are stronger and together, we will drive the lasting change that our industry so desperately needs.
To secure your tickets to our Annual Conference in Brisbane on February 15, 2025, head to www.nrfa.com.au.
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