The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has revealed more details of its proposed multi-combination (MC) licencing overhaul in Canberra today.
Speaking at a road transport industry roundtable at Parliament House convened by Senator Glenn Sterle, ATA CEO Mathew Munro argued that the existing MC class should be split into two with the breakpoint at 37 metres.
Munro said the ATA’s plan, first developed at its Workforce and Driver Training Summit in June, included action on road safety, driver licensing, and attracting workers to the industry.
“One of our most important proposals is to split the MC licence class in two,” Munro said.
“The new MC2 class we are proposing would require additional training, assessment and experience, to reflect the skill required to drive large combinations.
“We are proposing that the MC class be split at 37 metres of combination length.”
Munro said this would mean that A-doubles, B-doubles and B-triples would be in the MC1 licence class. Longer combinations would require the MC2 licence.
“Existing MC licence holders with more than six months of experience would be automatically designated as MC2 under our plan.”
Munro also called for the creation of a driver passport system, so drivers could easily show they had the skills to work safely and effectively in the industry.
“A licence is the minimum legal requirement for driving a truck, but it does not deliver the level of skill that working drivers need,” he said.
“The passport should be based on nationally recognised units of competency, so it would be available from multiple providers and to ensure RPL would be readily available for experienced drivers.
“The passport units should consist of defensive driving, work health and safety, chain of responsibility, fatigue management and record keeping, load restraint, and a basic awareness of truck mass issues.”
Munro said it was essential to improve the rigour of the registered training organisation (RTO) system.
“Many driver training RTOs do a great job. Others train to a price or a time,” he said.
“Driver training RTOs should be assessed by experienced auditors who understand driver training and competencies.”
The other speakers at the roundtable included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson and TWU national secretary Michael Kaine, as well as Lisa Fraser (QTA), Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny, NatRoad CEO Warren Clark and Tasmanian Transport Association executive director Michelle Harwood.