As we are heading into a federal election, and this may be one of the most important elections that we are facing as Australians, we need to be aware of the facts and promises of all parties.
When we have all the available information, we can make clear and informed decisions, on what each party is planning for our industry, for our economy and for our country.
I do not think that it has ever been more important that we are well informed and make decisions on the promises and details provided.
I do not think that we can blindly vote on the way we have always voted, or the way our parents voted. But we need to be clear on our values, and what will be in the best interests of our families and our future.
We need clear economic decisions, clear regulatory decisions, and clear decisions on immigration, housing, foreign policy, and our judicial system.
For our industry, we need clear decisions regarding fuel excise, and other decisions that will affect our cost of doing business.
We need decisions made about our national licencing system and driver training so that no one is discriminated against, and no one is given preferential treatment; this will lead to safer roads for all.
We also need an independent investigation into all fatal heavy vehicle accidents, the same as there are for air and rail accidents.
This is so that we can have specific information so improvements can be made, and safety standards can be improved and recommendations implemented.
We are looking forward to the Australian Trucking Association TA25 in Adelaide, Transport Women Australia Limited will be hosting their pre-convention lunch and hosting a panel session on the first afternoon of TA25.
We also have our nominated member Ann Lopez as a finalist in the Woman of the Year, and our Corporate Member, Formula Chemicals has finalists in the Outstanding Contribution, Driver of the Year and Woman of the Year categories. We wish them all the best of luck.
We look forward to our Brisbane Truck Show Breakfast on the first morning of the truck show on May 16. Tickets to the breakfast are selling fast and include a ticket to the truck show in the price of the breakfast.
Nominations are also open for our Young Gunnette Award and our Dream Maker Awards; the nomination forms for these are available through our email, chair@transportwomen.com.au.
Coralie will represent us at the Alexander Truck Show on the June long weekend; so please head along to the stand, pick up some goodies and talk to Coralie and Leah about our work.
Everyone is looking forward to the Transport Women Unite Red Ball which will be held at the Festival of Transport at Alice Springs in August. This is where our Dream Maker awards will be presented, for the third year.
As we slide into winter and daylight savings has ended be sure to check on your friends who may be affected by SADS or other signs of depression.
Be sure that they know where they can reach out for assistance, especially with Healthy Heads In Trucks And Sheds. These programmes are available, and information can be obtained through their website.
Sometimes someone only needs to talk to but there are times they need more than we can provide and more professional help and assistance.
We need to be able to steer them in the right direction to ask for that extra assistance.
Jacquelene Brotherton is the Chair of Transport Women Australia Limited.
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