Here’s one for the older folks in the audience, who remember the good old days – this throwback to the 1980s, in the form of a documentary. While this is only the first part of the documentary, it focuses on the application of road trains in Australian transport, presumably for a European audience to whom […]
A blast from the past appeared first on PowerTorque.
A truckie who liked to take cooling dips on his runs along the highway has made the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) wildest work-related expense tax claims for the last financial year.
In a recent media release announcing its tax time priorities for 2025, the ATO also shared some of the outrageous deduction attempts it saw in 2024, with the cheeky truckie coming in for a special mention after claiming for his bathers.
“While a lunchtime dip might clear your head for work, swimwear for a truck driver is clearly not deductible,” said ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson.
“‘If your deductions don’t pass the ‘pub test’, it’s highly unlikely your claim would meet the ATO’s strict criteria’.”
Some of the other most outrageous deduction attempts the ATO saw last year included:
A mechanic tried to claim an air fryer, microwave, 2 vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories as work-related. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in nature, like the truckie’s swimwear.
A manager in the fashion industry tried to claim well over $10,000 in luxury-branded clothing and accessories to be well presented at work, and to attend events, dinners and functions. The clothing was all conventional in nature and was not allowed.
Thomson reminded taxpayers that the ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax that is owed, and exaggerated deduction attempts would not be tolerated.
“While some people have tried their luck with unusual work-related deduction claims, most people realise to be able to claim an expense, it needs to meet strict criteria,” he said.
This tax time the ATO will be focused on areas it sees frequent errors, including work-related expenses, working from home deductions and in respect to multiple income sources.
“Work-related expenses must have a close connection to your income earning activities, and you should be prepared to back it up, with records like a receipt or invoice.
“If you’re anything like me, a paper receipt will get lost almost immediately. The myDeductions tool on the ATO app allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses to make lodging your tax return easier.”
One of the most-claimed work-related expense each year is a working from home deduction. In 2024 more than 10 million people claimed a work-related deduction, and many of those claimed a deduction related to working from home.
The ATO said there are two ways you can calculate your deduction for additional expenses you incur by working from home – the fixed rate method or the actual cost method.
In order to claim a working from home deduction, you must be working from home to fulfil your employment duties (not carrying out minimal tasks) and you have to have records to prove you incurred additional expenses due to working from home.
Using the fixed rate method allows you to claim 70 cents for every hour you work from home and covers your additional running expenses that are often difficult to apportion, like internet, phone usage, electricity and stationery.
“Remember that you can’t then claim these items separately elsewhere in your tax return – no double dipping,” Thomson warned.
To claim using the actual cost method, you must have records of all the expenses you claim, and the work-related use of your expenses to back up your deduction.
The ATO is also reminding Australians to declare all sources of income, and make sure they are included on their tax return. This includes side-hustles, for example if you are providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app.
Each source of income you have will have different deductions available to you, depending on the nature of the income and your occupation.
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Here’s what’s coming up on the trucking calendar for the rest of 2025.
Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show
June 7-8
Alexandra, VIC
The Alexandra Truck Show is back on the King’s Birthday weekend in June this year, with a Sunday Show ‘n’ Shine on the town’s main street, as well as live music, a Victorian woodchop tournament, exhibitions, trade displays, kids’ amusements and a raffle. Come down on Saturday for the local markets, a convoy and truck drivers’ memorial. For more details email trucks@alexandratruckshow.com.au.
LRTASA State Conference
June 13-14
Adelaide, SA
The Livestock & Rural Transport Association of SA (LRTASA) will host its annual conference weekend, featuring a conference, exhibition, golf event, Friday night dinner and a Saturday night annual gala dinner and auction.
Gold Coast Truck Show
July 27
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, QLD
There will be plenty of trucks, cars and bikes on display, with show awards taking place across all three vehicle categories. The day will have lots to see and do for the whole family, with entertainment provided by cover band Pheonix Rising, who will rock it out on centre stage.
Casino Truck Show
August 2
Casino, NSW
The date has already been set for this year’s Casino Truck Show, one of the biggest events in Australia’s trucking calendar. Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on the town as usual – last year, truck entries had to be capped at 600. Attendees can look forward to a great day out with food, trade stalls, kids’ amusements and much more.
LRTAV State Conference
August 8-9
Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC
The Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) will host its annual 2025 Conference in Shepparton, featuring all things livestock and rural. Registrations will open soon, with more details to come.
National Historical Machinery Association National Rally
August 23-31
Kingsthorpe Park, QLD
Biennial National Historical Machinery Association National Rally is being held this August 23-24 in Jondaryan, Queensland, with the fun continuing in conjunction with Steaming under the Southern Cross.
Transport enthusiasts can look forward to 10 days of heritage displays and activities – expect classic and vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, antique engines, tractors and machinery along with antique earthmoving equipment and heritage steam equipment such as traction engines and road rollers. Check out working displays, ploughing and earth moving demonstrations, a working blacksmithing display, market stalls, live entertainment and much more. Exhibitors from machinery car and truck clubs welcome. Visit the website susci.com.au for more details or contact the Secretary Warren Buckley (email secretary@susci.com.au or call 0414 334 006). www.facebook.com/trucks.trains
Festival of Transport 2025
August 28-31
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Held at the National Road Transport Museum’s hometown of Alice Springs, the four-day Festival of Transport 2025 will host various events including the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame Induction, Transport Women Dream Maker Award, Truck Drag Racing and a street parade.
NatRoad Connect 25
September 11-12
Shepparton, VIC
NatRoad’s annual conference gives you the opportunity to connect with industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and partners to receive practical operational information and advice. Save the date to your calendar and keep an eye on their website for updates closer to the time.
Camp Quality Convoy Perth
October 12
Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley
Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth is a fun way for anyone who drives a truck to show their support for kids facing cancer and their families. Supporters will cheer on our Convoy, as we travel a 53km route around Perth City and Osborne Park, starting and finishing at Perth Hockey Stadium. The event venue will host a free Family Festival packed with entertainment and experiences catering for kids and adults alike.
There will be food vans, kids’ rides, face painting, roving entertainment, live music, fundraising awards ceremonies, and the chance to cheer on the returning Convoy.
Plus, you can check out all the trucks and vehicles at the Show ’n’ Shine after the Convoy returns.
Technology and Maintenance Conference
October 14-15
Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds, VIC
The TMC Conference brings together technical professionals, fleet and workshop managers, technical regulators, mechanics and service technicians. For 2025, the event moves to a new venue – delivering bigger exhibition spaces and a larger workshop area.
The venue will also provide greater space for workshops on trucks and trailers, and expanded networking areas.
The 2025 program will focus on key industry priorities, including safety, productivity, environmental sustainability, cost efficiency, and workforce career development.
Brisbane Convoy for Kids
November 1
Brisbane, QLD
The Brisbane Convoy for Kids is back on November 1, travelling from Larapinta to the Redcliffe Showgrounds. Once it arrives, a family fun day will take place, with a wide range of activities on offer including live entertainment, auctions, food stalls, free kids’ rides, face painting, animal petting, magic shows, and a night lights display. Convoy participants also compete in a range of categories, with awards handed out on the day.
Ulverstone Truck Show
November 1
Ulverstone Showgrounds, Tasmania
Held as part of the Thank You Day Show, a fundraising event to raise money for Beyond Blue and New Mornings, this year’s truck show component will feature a Kenworth focused show alongside the usual truck show. There will be prizes for both shows and lots of giveaways. The event starts at 9am.
Mullumbimby Truck Show
November 8
Mullumbimby, NSW
Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show on the second Saturday of November each year, you won’t want to miss the Mullumbimby Truck Show! This event will feature a truck parade through the town, sideshow alley, kids’ rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting. For further truck show info see the registration form at www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au.
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
November 15
Bathurst Showgrounds NSW
The Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show is back, with plenty to see and do for the whole family. More info to come.
Illawarra Convoy
November 16
Illawarra, NSW
Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.
Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show
November 29-30
Castlemaine, VIC
Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, this year’s truck show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can expect plenty of well-presented trucks on display, as well as food, a licenced bar, kids’ rides, free health checks and live music.For more information, visit rotarycastlemaine.org.au/page/truck-show.
Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au
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Toll Group has taken delivery of 12 new quad-axle Tautliners from Freighter Group.
The trailers have been deployed as part of the fleet’s longstanding partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in New South Wales.
Featuring carrying capacities of 24 pallets, these units will allow Toll to increase its load capacity per truck from 21.5 tonnes to 28.5 tonnes.
Toll Group Senior Vice President Retail Transport & Grocery, Michael Freestone, said this will result in several advantages.
“This means fewer trucks on our roads, lower CO₂ emissions and greater efficiency — benefiting our drivers, our customers and the environment,” he said.
“It also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability and operational excellence.”
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Transport for New South Wales has unveiled plans to install additional signage warning motorists and truck drivers of steep gradients along the Hume Highway. Situated along the road in south-west NSW, the signs will help keep heavy vehicle drivers safer along steep parts of the major freight route. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter The signs […]
Greater signage coming on Hume Highway appeared first on PowerTorque.
Australian Football League team North Melbourne has entered into a partnership with Orbit Logistics, who has become the official freight forwarding partner of the club’s AFL and AFLW teams. The Melbourne-based logistics company provides international logistics, local customs clearance, deliveries and supply chain solutions across all continents, with fully owned offices in China and Hong […]
North Melbourne enters freight forwarding partnership appeared first on PowerTorque.
The Iron Women Australia driver training program was on display at ‘The Depot’ careers expo held in conjunction with the recent Brisbane Truck Show, with a striking Volvo FH prime mover taking pride of place on the Wodonga TAFE stand.
The Iron Women initiative, developed by Volvo Trucks, is a comprehensive driver training education and licencing program aimed at getting women without any prior truck driving experience behind the wheel and onto a transport industry career path.
With Volvo having set up similar programs in other countries including France, South Africa and Peru, Volvo Australia has joined forces with Wodonga TAFE’s Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) to facilitate the program.
Jo Bathols is one of the transport Industry training staff from Wodonga TAFE and gave a rundown on the program, which sees participants take part in a number of different activities over the duration of the program.
“Volvo Australia has donated the truck, and Wodonga TAFE is the preferred Registered Training Organisation,” Jo explained.
Over the two-week course, all women undertake 16 hours’ drive time and end up with a Certificate III in Driving Operations.
“We go through fatigue management, vehicle inspection, trip plan and navigate along with getting out on the road. They get their heavy rigid licence in the first two weeks then come back in 12 months with industry experience and come through for their heavy combination licence.”
“We oversee them through the whole process – a couple from our first intake are going to come back and also do their multi combination with us.”
The Iron Women program has been run successfully in other countries by Volvo for a couple of decades.
With the transport sector growing in Australia and the industry chronically short of workers, the Australian Iron Women program also has the backing of transport companies who see the value in getting women into the industry.
“There are 28,000 vacancies in the truck driving industry at the moment. Women are an untapped resource; women particularly don’t realise what a great career it is,” Jo said.
“We are led by Volvo as to how many participants we have in the program. Volvo put out the feelers to the likes of Team Global Express and other companies who had some women who wanted to do the course, and they came back to us.”
For Jo, the commencement of the Iron Women program has allowed her to take her skill set gained from working in the industry from the driver’s seat across to the passenger’s seat as one of the Wodonga TAFE training team.
“I have had 28 years in the industry, with 22 of them on the road. I got my B-double ticket in 2000, and back then women were somewhat bit of a silent population in the industry, but I had a lot of great mentors who were happy to help me into and through the industry.
“I have run interstate and spent the last four years on tippers; I came off the road about 18 months ago as I thought it was my turn to give something back and share some knowledge. It’s one of the best things you can do – I love it, and I can share my passion for it all.”
The Wodonga TAFE team were making their first visit to the Brisbane Truck Show and with the Volvo being a drawcard to the school groups and other visitors to ‘The Depot’ precinct.
“It’s just that ‘wow’ factor, they hop up into the truck and see, touch and feel what a truck is about. It’s building the interest by letting them know there may be an opportunity to do something a little bit different…there are lots of different careers they can go into,” Jo said.
“To be part of it here is extra special and help get the message out there that it is a great career move.”
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The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show delivered big – and for Alcoa Wheels, it was one of the strongest showings yet. Alcoa’s full national sales team was on deck, joined by colleagues from Singapore and Japan, engaging with operators from all over the region and showcasing what’s driving the next evolution in wheel technology.
“Our team had some of the best conversations we’ve ever had at a truck show,” said Michael Nichols, Alcoa Wheels Australian Commercial Director. “The energy was great, and we had real, meaningful engagement with both long-standing customers and new faces.”
A major talking point at the Alcoa stand throughout the event was its Dura-Bright surface treatment. Visitors to the stand were eager to understand how it simplifies maintenance and lowers cost over time. “People wanted to know how much cleaning time it really saves – and once we explained how Dura-Bright resists corrosion and eliminates polishing, it clicked immediately,” Michael said.
Another star of the stand was the ULT36x wheel, weighing just 16kg. For operators focused on reducing tare weight and boosting payload, it drew serious attention. “The ULT36x always stops people in their tracks. When they lift it and realise how strong it is at that weight, the performance benefits are obvious,” said Michael.
Alcoa’s Dura-Bright surface treatment drew plenty of attention at the stand. Image: HowmetBeyond product features, the real value came from the interactions. “Events like this give us a chance to really listen. Hearing what our customers need, what’s working in the field, and where they’re headed – that’s what drives us forward,” Michael added.
As the show wrapped up, the Alcoa Wheels team left Brisbane with strong momentum and renewed confidence in the transport sector’s appetite for smart, performance-driven solutions. “It was a great reminder that what we build isn’t just about wheels – it’s about giving operators tools to run leaner, cleaner, and more efficient businesses,” Michael said.
Alcoa thanks everyone who visited the stand and shared their time with the team. “We’re proud to be part of this industry, where we have a long, 75 year history of support,” Michael added.
For more information, visit alcoawheels.com.au or call 1800 955 191.
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The National Bulk Tanker Association’s (NBTA) 2025 Bulk Tanker Day featured an array of insight and presentations on different topics within the transport industry.
NBTA Chairman, Justin Keast, opened the day by reflecting on how far the industry has come since the first Bulk Tanker Day in 2009.
He also paid tribute to NBTA Executive Member, Mark Anderson, whose leadership has driven meaningful change across the sector.
“Justin spoke about the power of partnerships and the importance of getting the basics right, while reaffirming the NBTA’s commitment to doing just that,” the NBTA said.
This year’s Bulk Tanker Day also saw a significant milestone achieved as the NBTA and Australian and New Zealand Council For Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This formalised the two organisations’ ongoing collaboration on joint training and support for the TERP in-field workshops; the sharing of incident data to measure safety performance and identify trends; the DG101 education platform; and the jointly hosted NBTA Annual Conference and Bulk Tanker Day.
In his opening address, AFAC CEO, Rob Webb, signed the renewed MoU as a demonstration of the importance of partnerships which push to improve safety across the sector.
The ‘Technology, Telematics and the Freight Task’ session, chaired by FBT Transwest Managing Director, Cameron Dunn, opened Bulk Tanker Day with an instructive look at the digital tools reshaping industry.
Austroads General Manager, Gavin Hill, detailed the evolution of regulatory telematics from Electronic Work Diaries to advanced data-sharing initiatives.
His presentation underscored how technology is enabling smarter compliance, access and policy development.
He also acknowledged the NBTA’s active role in current trials and tunnel access discussions and launched a survey for the Dangerous Goods sector.
The real-world applications of artificial intelligence (AI) were also explored, particularly by WHG Technologies in the way of predictive maintenance, route optimisation and early risk detection.
“The session made one thing clear: the future of safer, more efficient freight isn’t coming,” the NBTA said.
“It’s already here.”
Other sessions at the event tackled structural changes within the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
NHVR Acting COO, Michelle Tayler, delivered a keynote address with a view on what lies ahead for the organisation.
“Following the appointment of Nicole Rosie as CEO, who will commence in the role on July 1, the NHVR is in the midst of a pivotal moment in time – for both it and the broader freight sector as a whole,” the NBTA said.
“Nicole will take over from Sal Petroccitto, whose decade-long tenure was defined by his commitment to ‘listening to industry’ a principle that helped shape the NHVR’s collaborative approach to regulation.”
Tayler also outlined the NHVR’s evolving strategic focuses, including smarter collaborative regulation favours education over penalties, embracing digital tools to improve compliance and productivity and strengthening partnerships with industry.
She also reinforced the importance of transparency and trust between regulators and operators and highlighted the NBTA as a key partner in delivering practical safety outcomes.
“Her message was clear: the next chapter for the NHVR builds on a solid foundation and will be defined by renewal, partnership and continued progress,” the NBTA said.
The mid-morning ‘What the Data Is Telling Us’ session chaired by Toll Group National Transport Compliance Manager – Fuel & Gas, Mitchell Lancaster, brought together three of the industry’s biggest advocates for safety to explore their findings from research.
NTI Transport Research Manager, Adam Gibson, presented highlights from the latest National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) Major Accident Investigation Report, offering an insight into the trends shaping on road safety
“Distraction continues to be a growing contributor to serious incidents, with Adam urging the industry to take proactive steps in identifying and mitigating driver attention risks,” the NBTA said.
“He highlighted the importance of managing change in your business and not simply relying on the introduction of technology to improve safety standards.
“He encouraged a focus on the importance of the driver and their critical role in safety.”
NHVR Chief Engineer, Les Bruzsa, delivered an update on the next phase of the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) network, PBS 2.0.
His presentation revealed how PBS continues to evolve as a key enabler of safe and productive vehicle design.
“New configurations, streamlined assessments and a stronger focus on emerging technologies are all part of the NHVR’s efforts to ensure PBS keeps pace with innovation while maintaining rigorous safety outcomes,” the NBTA said.
Lee Stringer, who leads the Safe Load Program (SLP), showcased the program’s digital transformation.
“From real-time vehicle and driver data at terminal gantries to AI-powered decision tools, SLP is setting a new benchmark for integrated AI and technology into their safety systems,” the NBTA said.
“Together, the session showed that data is not just for reporting but is for driving change for the better.”
Lastly, the ‘Driving Productivity by Improving Safety’ session, chaired by Normec Managing Director, Jason Stables, saw the launch of two new safety initiatives.
Gibson returned to the stage to present a case study on managing steep descent risk based on a collaborative project with Booth Transport.
Drawing on site-specific and real-world examples, the session highlighted how poor descent control continues to be a contributing factor in catastrophic incidents.
“Adam emphasised that the path to creating safer descents isn’t just about equipment advances, it is also about training and understanding the limitations of both the driver and the vehicle, as well as the decent itself,” the NBTA said.
NBTA Executive Director, Anthony Germanchev, presented early findings from the assocation’s near-miss data project.
He shared various examples of how near-miss trends are already shaping safety conversations between fleet managers and drivers.
The NBTA also launched a dedicated project website and online dashboard for participating fleets.
The platform enables real-time access to fleet-level insights and benchmarking, giving operators a powerful new tool to guide safety improvements and track progress.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for Bulk Tanker Day 2025 and helped make it a standout event for the bulk tanker sector,” the NBTA said.
“We’re proud to be part of a community that continues to prioritise safety, partnerships and progress.”
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The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5 per increase to the national minimum wage and minimum award wages in its annual review.
The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1, 2025.
In a news alert to its members, the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) said the decision provides that:
All modern award classification scales shall increase by 3.5 per cent rounded to the nearest 10 cents.
The federal minimum wage for award free employees shall be $948 per week or $24.95 per hour. The hourly rate has been calculated on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee. This constitutes an increase of $32.10 per week to the weekly rate or .84 cents per hour to the hourly rate.
The increases apply for the majority of modern awards, including the following:
Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020
Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2020
Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020
Manufacturing & Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020
Waste Management Award 2020
Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020
“Members who have Workplace Agreements in place will need to ensure that their agreement rates meet, or exceed, the new minimum award rates and, if the agreement pay increases are linked to the panel’s decision, the pay rates will need to be adjusted within the Workplace Agreement accordingly,” said the QTA.
“The increases can be absorbed into any amounts now being paid over and above the relevant minimum rates. However, be aware the Fair Work Ombudsman makes it clear that over award pay-rates can NOT off-set other award entitlements (e.g. penalties or loadings) unless there is a formal agreement in place. Rates for juniors, trainees and apprentices will also be adjusted, as usual, on a proportionate basis.”
QTA, through the services of our Employment Relations Manager Jim Challis, said it can provide assistance to any operator who seeks to formalise the employment conditions in their workplace in an Agreement certified by the Fair Work Commission.
“Members will receive amendments to their relevant Modern Award(s) specifying the new Pay Rates adjusted by the 3.5 per cent increase, once the awards are formally amended by the Fair Work Commission. We hope this will be within a short timeframe and prior to the end of June.”
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