5 September 2025 12:23:48 PM

ALRTA Weekly Update: Sept 5

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Executive Director Update

Welcome everyone to the weekly news,

Congratulations David Fyfe – Life Membership Award
ALRTA extends its warmest congratulations to our Vice President David Fyfe from Western Australia, who was recently awarded Life Membership of LRTAWA at their state conference. This is a well-deserved recognition for David's longstanding service and leadership within the rural transport community.

David’s calm and considered approach has made him an invaluable contributor to the ALRTA National Council. We thank him for his guidance and advocacy, particularly in representing the interests of operators across Western Australia. No doubt he’ll be cheering on his beloved Dockers this weekend — go well David, and all the best to Nat Fyfe in the chase for premiership glory!

EBS Braking Update – Practical Progress with OEMs
Following our recent spotlight on EBS braking system issues, ALRTA has been invited by several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate directly on solutions. Engagements with our National Partner PACCAR, a site tour of the Bayswater factory, and technical sessions with Hendrickson have all advanced our understanding.

We’ve seen firsthand that while each EBS unit is ADR compliant, problems often emerge when prime movers and trailers are combined without proper commissioning. Inconsistent installation practices and poor communication between braking components are resulting in real-world failures — many of which are being reported by ALRTA members.

Examples include:

Premature system faults
Exposed or poorly mounted connectors
Environmental degradation in wiring systems

These are not theoretical risks — they’re everyday challenges for operators on the ground. Fortunately, improvements are being made. Newer equipment paired with stronger commissioning practices is leading to more reliable outcomes.

We are calling for enhanced technician training, particularly at the workshop level, so that EBS systems can be installed, maintained, and diagnosed properly. This will remain an active area of work for ALRTA as we advocate for real solutions that deliver real safety and productivity benefits.

Expanding Awards and Recognition – Spotlight on the future
This week, the ALRTA Driver and Animal Welfare Committee (DWAC) met to advance several important initiatives focused on celebrating and supporting our people.

Key developments include:

Young Driver Awards Framework: Building a consistent structure from state-level recognition through to a national ALRTA Rising Star Award.
Rural Transport Woman of the Year: Continuing on the great work of Bec Coleman at LBRCA to ensure this award continues around the country and follows our national conference each year.
Expanding the awards: Including young industry professionals beyond drivers — encouraging broader participation and visibility across our sector.
Livestock Rollover Emergency Response Plan: Development of a best-practice framework for managing on-road livestock emergencies, with consultation across jurisdictions.

We also discussed ALRTA’s involvement in the ongoing Fit to Load Guide Review, where we are proudly represented by Athol Carter (Frasers, QLD) and Alina Hawkins (LRTAV, VIC).

National Driver Training Framework – Specialised, recognised, respected
In line with our mission to build professional career pathways, ALRTA is supporting the development of a National Livestock Transport Driver Training Framework under the guidance of Industry Skills Australia.

The proposed structure includes:

Four certification levels (Certificate I–IV)
Alignment with Dangerous Goods licensing structures
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced drivers
Consultation to accommodate state-specific requirements
Formal recognition of Livestock Transport as a specialist field within the transport sector

This is a significant step forward in elevating the professionalism and capability of our workforce — and ensuring that experience is not lost, but rather recognised and transferred through the generations.

Finally, our greater ALRTA family is a fabulous organisation built on passion and perseverance, and we send our thoughts and love to someone this week who is undoubtedly one of our most cherished.

Until next week — stay safe.