Volume 44     Issue 33     15 March 2024

• In the News
• Regional Road Freight Forums - Cairns 14 March - Register Now
• Seminar - Understanding ESG - Getting Ready for Scope 3 Reporting

• Leading the Way - QTA Diversity in Transport Breakfast

  Member Service - QTA Employment Relations Advice and Support

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• Member Benefits - NTI delivers exclusive benefits to QTA members
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• Register now for Trucking Australia 2024
• Get Support for Employee Superannuation Needs
• QLD Road Conditions

• • Oversize Overmass vehicle restrictions remain | Bremer River Bridge | Warrego Highway | Karalee 

• NSW Road Conditions

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A sell-out crowd of filled the room at Hillstone, St Lucia early on Wednesday morning for QTA's First Diversity in Transport Event. MC'd by Lisa Fraser, Membership Service Manager, the morning was filled with humour, honesty and humilty which always makes this QTA event unique.

The room was buzzing with lots of networking of 240 guest and sponsors, which included our Principal Sponsor TWUSUPER and event sponsors BP, Steering Healthy Minds and Transurban. There was also represenation from our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Innovation and NQ Partners, some who had travelled interstate to attend. The support from our Partners is amazing and we thank you all for your attendance.

The event featured a panel discussion and in keeping with tradition of the IWD event, the 2024 IWD international theme "Inspire Inclusion" was chosen as the topic of conversation. Attendees embraced the change with people in attending from a diverse range of business, industries, occupations, gender and culture.

Expertly facilitated by Kirsten MacGregor (MacComms), the session started with the use of the words variety and kindness as a way of thinking about diveristy and inclusion. This set the tone for the conversation and put the audience at ease that we would not be talking corporate jargon all morning! The panel engaged in a free-flowing conversation covering topics including ‘what is the meaning of diversity’, why we employ people ‘like us’, improving the working environment for women, and overcoming prejudice and bias.

The event reinforced the Association’s priority on the importance of women in the industry with 2024 Trucking Woman of the Year Bronwen Howell (Director, VE Group) featuring on the discussion panel representing women, mums, and family business. Bronwen wore her heart on her sleeve, shared the experience of building her business with her husband Nathan while raising little people, moving to a place where they knew no-one. The one that hit home to everyone was when she shared how being a country person, moving to the city and experiencing 'exclusion' in the school community. This reinforced that diversity and inclusion is not just about accepting different genders and cultures, it's about being open to including and accepting people who aren't the 'same' as you. Bronwen and Nathan's determination, resilience and 'have-a-go' attitude along, has lead to them building and continuing to grow VE Group.

Drew Hipwood (Corporate Affairs Manager, IOR) was a voice for acceptance and inclusion as the first openly gay employee at IOR. Drew spoke with confidence and certainty about being honest in conversations and not taking on other people's attitudes or unconscious bias, "that's on them" he said. Drew said that working in an environment where you felt you belonged was really important and how IOR fosters that through their company values. Drew lead the Reconcilitation Action Plan at IOR which demonstrates a commitment to recognition of First Nations peoples and increase cultural safety in the workplace.

Also joining us on the panel was Lisa Burquest (Chief People Officer, Virgin Australia) representing the corporate aviation sector, humply shared Virgin's journey through administration, working with slim or no budget and how all work done in Virgin in the area of diversity and inclusion was done voluntarily by staff. Lisa, a mum of 5 boys, two who are gay, spoke about how inclusion has been an important topic in her family and how this has helped shape the work that she has done at Virgin Australia. When re-building the Virgin workforce, they had to try new recruitment strategies to attract new entrants and move towards focussing on the skills, ability and values of people.

The common theme that emerged from the conversation was around human values and that values are universal. All panelists shared the importance of understanding what your business values are, building and surrounding yourself with people who live those values. 

QTA CEO Gary Mahon said, "We are proud to be recognised as a forward-thinking Association leading with new ideas that will encourage business to be more innovative and attract a wider talent pool to the industry. The event continues to be well supported with tremendous support from sponsors and again, with the event being oversubscribed, it's a great indication that the event hits the mark with industry."

Pictured below L-R

Sarah Dreaver (WorkCover Qld representing Steering Healthy Minds), James Donneli (BP), Gary Mahon (QTA CEO), Bronwen Howell (VE Group), Kirsten MacGregor (MacComms), Sam Smillie (TWUSUPER), Lisa Burquest (Virgin Australia), Lisa Fraser (MC & QTA Membership Service Manager) and Drew Hipwood (IOR).

The common theme that came from the conversation was around values. Values are universal. Understand what your business values are and building and surrounding yourself with people who live those values. 

Expertly facilitated by Kirsten MacGregor (MacComms), the panel engaged in a free-flowing authentic conversation covering topics including ‘what is the meaning of diversity’, why we employ people ‘like us’, improving the working environment for women, and overcoming prejudice and bias.

The audience was engaged and entertained in the familiar relaxed style the QTA is known for and heard from people from within the industry who were relatable and genuine.

QTA Chief Executive Officer, Gary Mahon said, "We are proud to be recognised as a forward-thinking Association leading with new ideas that will encourage business to be more innovative and attract a wider talent pool to the industry. The event continues to be well supported with tremendous support from sponsors and again with the event being oversubscribed, it's a great indication that the event hits the mark with industry." 

The Charity of Choice for the Event was the Queensland Cancer Council and the raflle proceeds will be donated through the Shitbox Rally team "The Rusty Pistons" lead by our very own Frances Schafer and her husband Glen. This year our guests contributed $5000 to the raflle which was an outstanding result.

We thank everyone who attended and to all the Sponsors who supported the event through Sponsorship or Raffle prizes.

• QTA holds first Diversity in Transport event (Big Rigs)
• Turning Point (Prime Mover Magazine)
• Australia Post improves performance with strategy (MHD Supply Chain News)
• Followmont takes delivery of first electric prime mover (Big Rigs)

Industry connection and communication will be the theme of the 2024 Regional Road Freight Forums to support the drive for regional solutions.

Developing access solutions and navigating workable solutions involves input from both operators and industry stakeholders. So this year, we are inviting you to attend a productive road freight forum that will facilitate an opportunity to meet and discuss common issues faced in your regions, help drive workable solutions to benefit your businesses and the wider road freight industry. 

Topics will be relevant to your region, information will be useful and conversation will be professionally facilitated towards creating mutually beneficial industry connections and outcomes.

Joining QTA Staff will be presentations from NHVR, TMR, QPS and local Council.

The presentation at each location may change slightly based on regional issues/needs however the general topics will include:

• Connecting the freight network
• Opening up road access
• Navigating workable solutions

Locations/Dates:  Click above to Register for your preferred location.

Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm (catering included)

Cost:   QTA Member - $50+gst per person

  Non-Member - $75+gst per person

Places are limited at each location. Payment will need to be settled prior to the event.

For any further information or questions about the Forums, please contact Frances Schafer frances@qta.com.au or Ebony Harber ebony@qta.com.au

What does it mean for the transport industry?

This FREE seminar will feature presentations from TWUSUPER, Impact HQ and NTI.

Date:        Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Time:       10:30am-1:30pm (light lunch included)

Venue:     QTA Conference Room, 3/96 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner  Qld  4120

Parking:   Street parking or Secure Parking Station in Cleveland Street

Register Now

Numbers are limited. If there is demand, a second session will be arranged.

ONLINE SESSION OPTION (date to be scheduled)

Members wishing to participate in an online session can email ebony@qta.com.au. The time commitment would be approximately 1 hour.

Why attend?

Scope 3 emissions represent the indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout a company's entire value chain. Scope 3 Reporting will require you to think about both your role as a supplier to your customers and your role as a customer to your suppliers. It is likely that you are going to have to start providing reports on your Scope 3 emissions as road freight is a key component of the value chain. It is all about being able to accurately measure and report on emissions to understand where you (and they) are starting.

This seminar will help you understand what the implications of Scope 3 reporting on your business and how you can start planning on reporting.

As your customers commence their reporting, they will become more demanding and will be asking for more transparency and accountability on the climate impacts from your business. 

Mandatory reporting on Scope 3 emissions are being staged in over the next three years and your reporting requirements and demands will be determined by the customers and suppliers you deal with.

Topics will include:

• Significance of upcoming mandatory climate reporting
• ESG principles and sustainability practices in the industry
• How to identify and prioritise ESG factors for your business
• Gain insights into the latest emission reduction strategies
• Impact of ESG on ethical investment strategies

This seminar is sponsored by TWUSUPER.

For any further information or question, please contact Lisa lisa@qta.com.au or Ebony ebony@qta.com.au

Working together to create healthier safer workplaces.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will host its first two online industry safety network meetings in March 2024 – one for transport and one for manufacturing. This year marks the 10th year that WHSQ has facilitated these popular meetings.

For those who haven’t attended before, these network meetings are chaired by industry representatives. The quarterly forums have proven a great way for stakeholders to engage in a welcoming and supportive environment, to talk about safety, exchange advice and information and share resources.

At the next transport safety network meeting on 12 March, you can hear from the following guest speakers:

• Roslyn Miller, Principal Advisor, Healthy Work Team bringing a summary of the latest research on work hazards including long work hours, shift work and other transport related information and how you can design healthy and safe work in your workplace.
• Mark Butcher, Managing Director, Performance Driving Australia will facilitate an interactive session on safe driving at work.

At the next manufacturing safety network meeting on 20 March, you can hear about.

• Hazardous chemical compliance, from OIR Hazardous Chemical Unit
• Welding fumes and BOC Gas health effects; and
• Safety fundamentals, as part of a discussion to be facilitated by WHSQ’s Industry Strategy and Culture Unit.

To get the most out of these forums, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and engage with presenters, to discuss challenges and opportunities and ways in which WHS could be improved in your industry sector.

If you would like more information about these forums or would like to attend one of our future meetings, please contact industrystrategy@oir.qld.gov.au.

As a QTA Member, you receive additional benefits with your NTI Insurance Policy.

To access these exclusive member benefits*, make sure your insurance broker has listed your association membership number on your quote or policy and that it’s shown on your paperwork.

Is your business getting the full benefit? 

• Waiving the additional age excess on prime movers, rigid trucks and trailers
• A move from Market Value to an Agreed Value settlement base
• Automatic inclusion of additional insured property increased from 45 days to 90 days
• As an association member, you can enjoy the following exclusive benefits and conditions at no extra cost: 
• Along with the immediate start of repairs through NTI’s Authorised Repair Network, you and your drivers also receive added increases and benefits in the event of an incident:
• Cost of repatriating driver is increased from $5,000 to $7,500
• Emergency repairs limit is increased from $5,000 to $10,000
• Average / underinsurance condition is deleted

To access these exclusive member benefits*, make sure your insurance broker has listed your association membership number/details on your quote or policy and that it’s shown on your paperwork. Contact us if you need your member number.

*Benefits available to current financial members of the association where the endorsement is in place at the inception of the policy. Applies only to eligible NTI insurance policies. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for more details.

NTI offers insurance products that work together to give you seamless coverage across your transport, logistics, plant and equipment, and cargo needs, to protect your business and livelihood. 

If you’re not already protected by Australia’s #1 specialist insurer across all your transport, logistics, plant and equipment and cargo needs, speak to your broker about getting a quote today.

Contact QTA if you need a referrals to specialised transport insurance broker.

In 2023 the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) received reports of a cyber attack every seven minutes. Small businesses are not immune. In fact cyber criminals deliberately target small businesses because they know technology and security may be weaker. Fortunately every small business has the opportunity to put preventative measures in place, and there is plenty of support available from government cyber security online resources as well as the expertise of Gallagher cyber risk management specialists.

Cyber risks can damage businesses financially, operationally and from a reputation perspective. Imagine if you couldn't log on or access your scheduling for the day or month, or someone took over your identity and started stacking up bills in your name, or broke into your e-mail, impersonated you and started sending invoices out to your customers with a fake account embedded into those invoices. These scenarios are day-to-day realities, so it's critical that you understand your risk and address it in the most effective way you can.

Common cyber threats

• Business e-mail compromise: hacked email credentials are used to scam money or goods
• Data breaches: unauthorised leaking of personal or sensitive information
• Hacking: infiltration of a business system by exploiting a software weakness
• Identity theft: impersonation of you or your business to steal money or other benefits
• Malware: malicious software such as 'Trojans', 'viruses' or 'worms' used to harm your system
• Ransomware: malware that locks up your system or encrypts essential files
• Scams: the impersonation of known brands or entities to obtain money
• System and network attacks: internal or external attempts to illicitly access your business systems

Ransomware continues to be a major threat to all Australian businesses, and small businesses specifically are constantly under attack. (Note: if you back up your business data regularly you are less likely to need to pay a ransom for its return.)

Essential steps for SMEs to safeguard their cyber security

The costs associated with data breaches, business downtime, legal fees and reputational damage are high. In the 2021‒2022 financial year the average cost per cybercrime reported to the ACSC rose to over $39,000 for small businesses. For 2022‒23 this figure rose by more than 10% to $46,000. This is enough to send some companies to the wall, but help is available, firstly through simple security measures, and secondly through cyber insurance.

Read Full Article

The mental health aspect of workplace risk has become a focus for regulators around Australia as the number of workers compensation claims for psychological injuries has increased over recent years. And the cost of these claims can be three to four times more expensive than for other types of claims.

It's important for employers to understand what the mental health hazards are in their workplaces, and how to address them.

The health and safety regulations around the country are increasing with new codes of practice (in each state) to clarify what employers need to do to protect their workers from both mental and physical risks. This guidance covers the process of recognising potential hazards, implementing a practical risk management framework and understanding what steps are practical for your business size.

Psychological risk management is an obligation for employers — but what does that mean?

Protect — identify and manage work-related risks to mental health

Respond — identify and respond to support workers experiencing mental ill health or distress

Promote — recognise and enhance the positive aspects of work that contribute to good mental health.

Once you have identified what hazards may be present (such as dealing with aggressive members of the public, for example) you need to consider the extent of risk exposure for your employees. This presents an opportunity to consult with and get feedback from your workers about how often they face those hazards. This information can help in formulating solutions to protect employees.

For a business to effectively manage workplace mental risks you may need to implement new controls and review how to support employees who have previously reported mental stress. It's also important to check back with your people about how effective these protective measures might be.

Promoting workplace mental health means recognising that when people feel connected to work, when they feel they make a positive contribution and they've got a safe workplace around them with people that they trust, both colleagues and managers, they thrive — and your business is more likely to thrive too.

Recognising workplace mental health hazards

Australian workers compensation recognises multiple risks and factors contributing to mental health safety cases.

Read full article

People at Work is a psychosocial risk assessment process. It is Australia’s only validated and evidence based psychosocial risk assessment survey tool with benchmarking that measures psychosocial hazards and factors.

People at Work can help you comply with your health and safety duties, better manage work-related psychosocial hazards and factors and prevent psychological harm.

Organisations that undertake People at Work will have access to:

• the People at Work survey, a psychosocial risk assessment tool that is now available digitally to Australian organisations at no cost
• all materials required to administer and report on the People at Work survey, including access to automated and customised reports, interactive learning modules and resources to assist in implementing a psychosocial risk management approach and evaluating the effectiveness of chosen interventions.

Australian work health and safety regulators have jointly funded People at Work to provide free tools and resources. The hazards measured by the People at Work survey are based on decades of research highlighting the factors that influence a worker’s psychological health and safety. The psychosocial hazards are also based on guidance from Safe Work Australia.

Send a clear message to workers that you value their mental health and wellbeing and reap the benefits of reduced workers’ compensation claims and improved worker productivity, satisfaction and engagement.

Watch the People at Work film to learn more or visit https://www.peopleatwork.gov.au/

Healthy workplace audit tool 

Use the healthy workplace audit tool to assess workplace systems and environments and identify areas for improvement. 

The audit tool will help to plan, implement and evaluate work health and wellbeing programs by:

• identifying current good practice that can be continued or enhanced
• identifying gaps and areas for improvement
• establishing baseline information which can be monitored and reviewed for ongoing evaluation
• providing ideas and suggestions to ensure positive outcomes and sustainability

The healthy workplace audit tool

should be used in conjunction with the healthy workers survey.

The results will assist you to identify and assess work health and wellbeing risks that are specific to your workplace and develop targeted interventions.

The audit tool is usually completed by people who have responsibility for work health and wellbeing at the workplace. To get the best outcome, it’s recommended that other relevant people are consulted, including:

• the work health, safety and wellbeing committee
• management at all levels (executive, middle management and supervisors)
• human resources staff
• work health and safety staff.
• If the workplace is large or has several locations, consider conducting assessments across different business units so interventions can be targeted.

Complete the healthy workplace audit tool online.

The healthy workers survey is a validated risk assessment tool that should be used in conjunction with the healthy workplaces audit tool to identify and assess work health and wellbeing risks and develop strategies to manage them.

TWUSUPER Qld Account Manager Sam Smililie is available to visit your workplace and talk to your employees and assist them with any superannuation related information, advice or paperwork. Sam is flexible with times and is able to come out when you can get your drivers together. She can be contacted on 0424 511 164.

Information from Western Roads Federation (WRF)

East -West Route
The Bureau of Met are forecasting the potential for unprecedented rain events across Eastern WA over the next five days, potentially impacting both road and rail access from the East.

Rainfalls of up to 400mm across the Eastern parts of WA could occur. The impacts of these levels of rain are unknown as there is no historical precedent that could be given in the briefing.

Great Northern Highway
The Great Northern Highway faces a potential risk of seasonal flooding and closure in the Kimberley.
Note the Victoria highway re-opened today.
 
Report Flooding
If your drivers (particularly on the East-West Route) discover road flooding please notify QTA so we can pass on to relevant WA Emergency Services and Road managers. DFES and Main Roads need to rely on Driver reporting due to very few people on that isolated route.

Preparations
The heaviest rain is forecast to occur over the weekend, as the risk of flood closures of the Eyre highway is unknown could you ensure all drivers carry enough supplies of food, water and prescribed mediation to be self sufficient for at least 48 hours or in accordance with your company policy.

If travel East - West, please keep an eye on the weather warnings - http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/

Oversize Overmass vehicle restrictions remain | Bremer River Bridge | Warrego Highway | Karalee 

Restrictions to westbound travel
The Department of Transport and Main Roads reminds Class 1 oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicle operators that OSOM vehicle combinations exceeding 42.5 tonnes remain restricted from travelling over the Bremer River Bridge in the westbound lanes of the Warrego Highway at Karalee. 

Compliance monitoring 
Compliance monitoring measures, including cameras, are in place to monitor heavy vehicles crossing the westbound lanes of Bremer River Bridge. 

Any event found of heavy vehicles crossing the Bremer Bridge that appear to be not compliant with current restrictions will be investigated.

It is your responsibility to make sure you're using up-to-date information when you assess the suitability of your route.

You must check the Conditions of Operation Database before you start your journey.

Visit the QLDTraffic website, download the app or call 13 19 40 to report an incident or get real-time traffic reports.

Download the QLDTraffic app today
The QLDTraffic app provides personalised push notifications for important traffic alerts that affect your favourite routes and places, and it can even reach out to you about nearby traffic alerts using audio notifications while you're on the road.

Changed traffic conditions on M4 Western Motorway, South Penrith

A temporary closure on the M4 Western Motorway (eastbound) between Russell Street, Emu Plains and Clyburn Avenue in South Penrith will be in place for six nights between Monday 11 and Wednesday 20 March, 8.30pm to 5am, weather permitting. No work will occur on Friday or Saturday nights.

During this time, a detour will be in place. Heavy vehicle operators are advised the detour is not suitable for:

• PBS 2B operating at GML, CML or HML
• PBS 2A operating at HML
• PBS L1 operating at tier 3 QML2 (50.5t)
• OSOM

These vehicles will need to follow Traffic Controllers instructions at the beginning of the road closure at Russell Street. Affected vehicles will be required to access the closure with assistance from Traffic Control. Operators are advised to expect delays between 9.30pm and 2am.

Affected HML and PBS vehicles will face a short delay but will be escorted through the closure and continue on the M4 Motorway once the work area is made safe for them to do so.

OSOM vehicles with a ground contact width of over 3.5 metres will be required to wait in a layover area within the closure and will be escorted through the closure at 2am.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.

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Queensland's road freight voice since 1907. Trusted to Deliver. Driven by Service.

www.qta.com.au | 0733944388