The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is urging the Australian Government to “take decisive action” by revising Australia’s immigration laws to solve the chronic shortage of qualified heavy vehicle drivers.
According to the VTA, amending Australia’s immigration laws and Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to prioritise qualified and trained heavy vehicle drivers is one of the most effective ways to address the prevalent issue of driver shortages.
VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, said the shortage is so severe that it threatens to disrupt supply chains, increase costs and impact the broader economy.
“Australia’s transport industry is struggling to attract and retain qualified heavy vehicle drivers,” he said.
“As the backbone of our nation’s supply chain, these drivers are essential for the smooth operation of our economy, ensuring that goods reach businesses and consumers across the country.”
The VTA has long advocated for policies that support and sustain the transport industry, which Anderson reiterated is the lifeblood of the Australian economy.
While there may be many facets to addressing the driver shortage such as training, better working conditions and industry support, Anderson believes these measures will take time to have a significant impact.
In the interim, he claims the most immediate and effective solution is to revise the SOL to include heavy vehicle drivers as a priority occupation.
“Immigration has historically been a cornerstone of Australia’s economic growth, providing a steady stream of skilled workers across various industries,” he said.
“However, the current immigration system does not adequately reflect the urgent needs of the transport sector.
“Heavy vehicle drivers, despite their critical role, are not prioritised on the SOL. This omission ignores the reality that without a sufficient number of drivers, our economy cannot function efficiently.”
According to the VTA, while an ageing workforce, the physically demanding nature of the job and a perception that the industry does not offer long-term career prospects are contributing factors to the driver shortage, revising the SOL would be a strategic move to address the immediate shortfall in the industry.
The association believes it would enable the transport sector to tap into a global pool of qualified drivers, bringing in experienced professionals who can “hit the ground running”.
“This is not just about filling vacancies, it’s about ensuring the continuity of Australia’s supply chains and supporting the broader economy,” Anderson said.
“According to industry estimates, Australia needs thousands of new drivers each year just to keep pace with demand.
“The current shortage is placing immense pressure on existing drivers, leading to burnout, higher turnover and ultimately a risk of reduced safety on our roads.”
Anderson explained that prioritising heavy vehicle drivers would provide several key benefits, including economic stability and the efficient movement of goods, supporting businesses and preventing supply chain disruptions, safety on the roads, a more stable workforce, long-term industry growth and regional development and supporting local economies to keep rural communities connected.
“The time for action is now,” he said.
“We must ensure that our immigration policies reflect the needs of our economy and our people.
“The VTA stands ready to work with the government and industry stakeholders to make this vision a reality.”
In other news, Peter Anderson has been appointed as a part-time member for the new Road Transport Advisory Group.
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