NatRoad to work with ministers on driver shortage – Australasian Transport News

Date: 25.08.2022

NatRoad will today tell a ministerial meeting how best to fix the driver shortage present in the industry

NatRoad says it is focusing on driver retention at this ministerial meeting

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) says it will tell a ministerial industry roundtable in Sydney today that the driver shortage needs to be tackled on a number of fronts.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King is leading the roundtable to discuss road transport views on skills shortages, regulatory roadblocks and what needs to occur to assist the move to net zero.

It is a forerunner to the Jobs Summit being convened by the Prime Minister on September 1 and 2.

"Well tell the meeting that the current shortage of qualified drivers is one of the road transport industrys most pressing problems not only in terms of quantity but also in quality," says NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.

"Its most acute in regional areas, is intensifying and isnt limited to drivers, with diesel mechanics in even shorter supply."

Clark says NatRoad supports the use of skilled migration to tackle shortages in the labour market in the short term, but accompanied by testing of those skills in Australian conditions prior to licensing.

"Its been a goal for us for truck licensing not only to be harmonised across all states and territories but better aligned with the training system," Clark says.

NatRoad says it supports fast-tracking an apprenticeship for heavy vehicle drivers.

"Requiring more competence at the initial stages of recruitment will add value rather than act as a barrier to more young people joining the industry," Clark says.

"The Commonwealth has put an apprenticeship on the table; we need a commitment by the states and territories to a competency-based licence system that is integrated with the training system."

RELATED ARTICLE: NatRoad annual survey unveils number one issue

NatRoad says the Heavy Vehicle National Law reform process needs to be re-started in earnest, with removal of disincentives to drivers entering or remaining in the industry made a priority.

"NatRoad has called loudly for the abolition of petty offences that are perceived to be revenue raising or of nuisance value but unrelated to controlling the risk of fatigue," Clark says.

"The current rules mean you can be fatigued and still be compliant, but if you breach a petty rule you get a fine."

Clark says NatRoad supports the concept of an industry campaign to enhance perceptions of our industry and attract more women, who currently number 3-4 per cent of drivers.

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NatRoad to work with ministers on driver shortage - Australasian Transport News