As we move toward 2025, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the freight and logistics industry.
Our sector faces challenge every day, from soaring operational costs and a declining workforce to the pressures of decarbonisation and evolving customer demands. But with these challenges come opportunities to innovate, adapt, and secure a sustainable future.
At the forefront of our priorities is the implementation of the Greenstart program launched last November, which provides transport operators with the tools, knowledge, and direction needed to embark on decarbonisation confidently.
While the transition to alternative energy sources is pressing, the industry currently lacks a credible business case for decarbonisation. Greenstart aims to bridge this gap, helping operators make informed decisions to reduce emissions while maintaining economic sustainability. With global and national goals to curb climate change, the VTA sees this program as a vital first step in supporting our members through the energy transition.
Equally critical is the pressing need for heavy vehicle driver licensing reform. The current framework, which often emphasises compliance over competency, must evolve to better address the demands of modern transport operations. Our industry is hungry for skilled, capable drivers who can navigate increasingly complex environments. The VTA is advocating for licensing reforms that prioritise thorough training, practical skill development, and a stronger focus on safety. These changes will ensure new drivers enter the workforce equipped to succeed while elevating the overall professionalism of the industry.
The VTA is also focused on attracting young people to careers in freight and logistics. With the average age of drivers continuing to climb, introducing younger generations to the opportunities within our industry has never been more important. Through programs like the VTA’s Driver Delivery Program, which has already trained and employed over 450 drivers, and the Females in Transport Program, which has brought over 125 women into trucking and warehousing roles in just 18 months, we are making strides toward creating a more diverse, skilled, and vibrant workforce.
Diversity is another pillar of our vision for 2025. Building on the success of our initiatives to support women in transport, the VTA is now launching a migrant diversity program. This initiative will train migrants in essential industry knowledge, including national heavy vehicle laws, occupational health and safety, and the practical steps to obtain a heavy vehicle licence. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, the program will help address labour shortages while reflecting the diversity of our communities.
Beyond workforce development, the VTA is also championing improved productivity outcomes for our customers and consumers. Freight and logistics operators are under immense pressure to meet rising demand while navigating outdated bureaucratic processes that slow innovation. These inefficiencies hinder our ability to deliver goods quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. The VTA is advocating for reforms that cut red tape, streamline regulatory processes, and enable businesses to adopt new technologies and practices that drive efficiency.
For example, while advancements in decarbonisation and autonomous trucks are promising, regulatory hurdles are slowing their integration. Trials of hydrogen-powered vehicles have demonstrated remarkable potential, yet infrastructure and regulations lag the technology’s capabilities. Similarly, autonomous trucks may soon take on repetitive tasks, but ensuring they integrate seamlessly and safely into operations requires a balance of innovation and oversight.
Finally, our industry’s role in delivering transformative infrastructure projects remains pivotal. Initiatives like the North East Link and Melbourne Metro Tunnel, as well as the expansion of freight terminals, will continue to ease congestion and boost productivity. However, these projects must be complemented by policy settings that allow transport operators to thrive.
The VTA is playing its part, stepping up in areas like industrial relations, training, and advocacy. From contributing to the Closing the Loopholes legislation to advancing programs that create real opportunities for drivers and operators, we remain committed to delivering practical solutions for our members.
Our 2025 priorities are clear: a safer, more productive, and more sustainable future for the transport industry. By working together, we can overcome the challenges ahead and secure the recognition our industry deserves as a vital pillar of Australia’s economy.
- Peter Anderson is CEO of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA)