A national, family owned transport company, in business for 47 years, has been placed into voluntary administration – as its owners seek a buyer.
Ron Crouch Transport is owned and operated by Geoff Crouch. Started by his parents, Ronald and Beverley Crouch, it operates from locations across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
In a statement released yesterday, Geoff Crouch confirmed the news. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to take the necessary action of placing Ron Crouch Transport under the control of a Voluntary Administrator,” he said.
“For the purposes of clarity and to ensure facts are not misrepresented I stress that this is a voluntary action.”
A veteran of the transport industry, Crouch has also served as a Director of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) from 2013 to 2024 and as Chair from 2017 to 2020. He is also a former president of ATA member association NatRoad.
“Whilst I love and have a passion for the Australian transport industry, as we all know it is a tough one that takes no prisoners,” he continued.
“Challenging economic conditions, pressure on rates, driver shortage, the never-ending burden of government, over regulation… All have played their part.
“Ultimate responsibility, of course though is mine.”
When Big Rigs contacted Crouch, he added that sham contracting is having a devastating impact on the industry.
Sham contracting occurs when companies hire truck drivers on individual ABNs when they don’t own or operate their own vehicle, rather than hiring them as employees. Why? To avoid paying them their entitlements – such as superannuation, leave, workers’ compensation and taxes. It’s a cost-cutting practice that’s rife in the industry and continues to impact those businesses that do the right thing.
“Sham Contracting for drivers, by using an ABN, is a curse on the industry and the Federal Government needs to pull its head out of its arse and do something about it,” said Crouch, echoing the sentiments of many in the industry.
With an administrator now appointed, the first step will be to look for a potential buyer for Ron Crouch Transport. Crouch said that if a buyer is found, this would result in the best possible outcome for all staff and creditors.
“In the meantime, with the valued support of my financiers, suppliers, customers and amazing staff, it will be business as usual.”
Crouch also thanked the hundreds of employees who, over almost 50 years, have contributed to growing the business into what it is. “And in particular, the 120 current team members who will be affected the most,” he said.
How many more companies have to go under before this government does something?
How many more people will lose out before action is taken?
This is becoming a joke. Wake up Canberra. You’re asleep at the wheel and blinded by your own ego’s and ambition. I hope when this industry finally comes good again, people will realise what it is and has already cost. In this day and age of supposed equality that the sheep seem to think exists, they have no clue or care for what actually makes this country run.
Maybe instead of just talking about it, maybe we should all just have 2 or 3 weeks off over Xmas? See how long the country lasts before they wake up to the fact that trucks carry this country.
Shame on you Canberra. You were hired to do a job and you’ve failed. Both you and your predecessor.
A very simple reply, Noel: I agree with you 100%. ‘Albo’ gets a basic pay of $1.14million per year, and just bought a $4million house. And, he’s supposedly a Labor politician; but, he really doesn’t give a damn about the real workers in this country.
completely agree with Noel and Roy. the quicker this government is changed the better, they are all about themselves and not the very hard working Australians.
One Nation is looking better every day. I used to be a staunched Lib voter until smirking Morrison came along . It’s a different political world we’re in now, both main parties are in it for themselves not to mention how they have decimated our road transport industry lately and so quick, there’s no turning back. I’m glad that after 50 years solely in road transport I’m shortly hanging up my gloves. . . Sad eh!