A roundtable of multicultural drivers told the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today that all truck drivers in Australia must meet the same licensing standards.
ATA CEO, Matthew Munro, released a report after hearing directly from multicultural drivers about their experience with the licensing system, driver training and their day-to-day experience on the road.
The report is part of the ATA’s InRoads Workforce program, which offers career resources to help students, career changers, high school counsellors and parents.
“The drivers at the roundtable had a combined total of 64 years of driving experience on Australian roads,” he said.
“They confirmed that multicultural drivers face wellbeing and safety issues including vile abuse on UHF radio and social media harassment.”
The roundtable of drivers said that all overseas driving credentials higher than a car licence should not be recognised.
However, the drivers welcomed the concept of moving to an hours-based system for progressing from a heavy combination to a multi-combination licence.
“As a result of the feedback we received from the roundtable, the ATA is urging every state to adopt South Australia’s MC Licence Program,” said Munro.
“Drivers undertaking the program need to complete 50 or 60 logged hours of supervised driving with learning components, followed by a practical driving assessment in an MC vehicle.”
According to the ATA, drivers currently need to hold an HR or HC licence for a year to be eligible for assessment to get their MC licence.
Initiatives from the roundtable included creating resources to help drivers understand and report sham contracting arrangements and to develop an industry-wide charter to help employers stand up to racist abuse.
“While the focus of the roundtable was multicultural drivers, their insights into driver licensing and training are vital for the safety of all,” said Munro.
“By strengthening training and licensing pathways, we can help address the current driver shortage while also creating a fairer, more accessible industry, one where all drivers have the opportunity to enter, succeed and build long-term careers.”
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