ATA NSW, the new state membership organisation for NSW road freight operators has been officially launched at a function in Sydney.
A who’s who of the NSW road transport industry gathered at the Volvo Truck & Bus Showroom Chullora to hear more about their new industry body and celebrate the launch.
The launch follows the conception and development of ATA NSW over recent months by a group of NSW based operators in partnership with the industry’s peak national body, the Australian Trucking Association.
Chairman of the ATA NSW Interim Policy Council, Frank Johnston, says the new organisation would be a strong united voice in achieving a safer and more productive NSW road transport industry.
Special guest, Shadow Minister for Police, Industrial Relations and the Hunter, Mike Gallacher, commended the industry’s record of safety improvement and highlighted the important role of ATA NSW in leading further united industry change.
In his address, Mr Johnston noted that the core services of the organisation, including government representation, workplace relations helpline, industry news, operator workshops and daily member services were well underway, and that there was more to come.
“ATA NSW is already off to a very strong start, and we have a big remainder of 2007 to come as we continue to expand our offering to members,” he sais.
In an exciting addition to the launch, Johnston announced a new fuel offer for ATA NSW members under a partnership with leading industry fuel supplier, BP Australia.
Under the offer, ATA NSW members can gain a five cent per litre discount on diesel pump prices at BP truckstops and key diesel sites, and a three cent per litre discount on diesel pump prices at all other BP sites across their Australian network.
BP was joined by fellow ATA Foundation Sponsors National Transport Insurance and launch sponsor, Volvo Trucks, all of whom have put their support behind the new state peak body.
ATA NSW Manager, Hugh McMaster, addressed the many challenges the industry was facing, particularly in access and business regulatory issues, and the lead role ATA NSW would adopt to improve practical and focused industry outcomes. In concluding his address, Mr Johnston called for operators to stand united as part of ATA NSW.
“I can only urge you to get involved — its your industry and your ATA NSW,” he said.
Further details about a range of member offerings are due for release over the coming months.