State Conference to lead national conversation on sham contracting

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) will bring national attention to the issue of sham contracting at State Conference 2026, with a dedicated session examining how these practices undermine fairness, safety, and competitiveness across the freight sector.

The session ‘People, Safety, Industry: Reform Needed for Transport’s Future’ will feature three major industry leaders:

Michael Kaine, National Secretary, Transport Workers’ Union
Peter Anderson, CEO, Victorian Transport Association and National Secretary, Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO)
Gary Mahon, CEO, Queensland Trucking Association and Vice President, ARTIO

Together, they will unpack the reforms reshaping industrial relations, workforce standards, and accountability with sham contracting at the centre of the discussion.

The panel will examine how sham contracting arrangements undermine market fairness and worker protections, the real‑world consequences for businesses found to be engaging non‑compliant models, upcoming regulatory and enforcement changes, and what ethical, sustainable, and legally sound contracting structures look like for the future of freight and logistics.

“Sham contracting has no place in a modern, safe, and commercially responsible transport industry,” said Anderson.

“It undermines operators who do the right thing and exposes businesses to substantial legal and financial risk.

“This conference is about cutting through uncertainty and helping operators understand what compliance looks like today – and what it will look like tomorrow. We’re bringing the right people into the room to drive real, sustainable reform.

“The VTA is committed to ensuring that every operator has the clarity and support needed to navigate change. Eliminating sham contracting is central to building a fair, competitive, and future‑ready industry.”

The VTA State Conference continues to be one of Australia’s most important gatherings for freight and logistics operators, executives, managers, and safety professionals. This year’s program will provide attendees with essential insights into the industrial reforms that will shape the future of work, safety, and commercial viability across the transport sector.

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