As the wife of a truck driver, I am appalled by the latest increases in penalty fees being imposed on drivers across Australia.
Many of these fines relate to what are often minor administrative errors – mistakes that workers in almost any industry could make during the course of a busy workday.
Simple errors such as a spelling mistake, an incorrect date, or a line not being perfectly ruled can now result in penalties that seem completely disproportionate to the offence.
I understand that laws and regulations exist for a reason, and I fully support fatigue management and road safety.
There are times when officers may exercise discretion and issue a warning for an honest mistake, but that is not always the case. The law is the law – I understand that.
What concerns me is the growing financial burden being placed on an industry that is already under immense pressure.
Truck drivers are constantly dealing with tight schedules, rising operating costs, delivery deadlines, compliance requirements, and the ongoing challenge of securing and maintaining contracts.
For many operators, simply making a living has become a rat race. The last thing they need is another financial blow for minor paperwork errors that have no direct impact on road safety.
Fatigue management is important, but how are drivers expected to properly rest when they are carrying the weight of these pressures every day?
The constant fear of making an administrative mistake, combined with the financial consequences, creates additional stress not only for drivers but also for their families. It becomes a chain reaction of worry, both emotionally and financially.
We want our drivers to be well-rested, focused, and safe. We want them concentrating on what they do best – driving and keeping Australia moving.
Sadly, trucking is no longer the industry it once was. Many families no longer encourage their children to enter the profession because they see the pressures, risks, and increasing burdens faced by drivers every day.
Truck drivers deserve respect, support, and fair treatment – not another kick while they’re already carrying the load for the rest of the country.
Because the reality is simple: WITHOUT TRUCKS, AUSTRALIA STOPS!!
Yet it often feels like drivers are only recognised when the shelves are empty, freight stops moving, and the country starts to feel the consequences.
Our truck drivers deserve better.
My family and friends deserve better.
About the author:
Lisa Milnes-Thurling is a licensed MC driver and is married to owner-operator Adam Thurling who has been driving for over 30 years.
damn right lady. the industry is governed by beaucrats. totally agree with fatigue and safety measures on the roads. alcohol and drug free driving with proper rest. however the mindless and often stupid administration fines we face, our a complete kick in the guts for regular drivers. wrong spelling or a line that’s not perfectly straight and other items that attract massive fines is completely stupid. in fact it’s ruining the industry. l have discouraged anyone l know thinking of a career as a driver. let’s see this people making these rules drive a 65tonne in traffic putting up with dickheads on the road day in day out. 12-14 hour days. week after week. 1000kms a week. oh a sorry if a spelt a towns name wrong. you better fine me my works pay. ridiculous… l could go on but lm just getting angry…..
everytime I get the book out I expect a fine that’s how am now . You are so so right .you can read something over & over until someone points that not right hmmmm
so maybe I give it up & find something else didn’t know what they wonder why people are not letting there kids go in that direction.it was a great industry but not now because you don’t know if you go home with a full PAY packet.think about it for the people that issues minor fines just think the weekend you can enjoy your family
in what other industry do you get fined for administrative errors, if truckies do then it should be across the board for everyone including governments they make so many errors its ridiculous.
I have watched trucks keep the Australian economy moving ever since I migrated here. Often underestimated, often criticized, often fined, and often under appreciated for the lifeline it has been for the cities and towns. If only those sitting in the offices, just lived one single day (yes, just one) in a truckie’s life, the industry would see an amazing transformation!