Videos
Agenda
Wednesday 27th September 2023
9:30am – 1pm
9:30am – 1pm
Bandag Factory Tour (Separate Registration Required)
NatRoad Platinum Partner, Bridgestone has extended the opportunity for conference delegates to see the benefits of Bandag retreads firsthand.
This exclusive NatRoad opportunity will showcase Bridgestone’s local manufacturing capabilities at the Bandag Wacol pre-cured tread factory, including a demonstration of the retreading process from start to finish.
During the tour, you’ll have a chance to hear from Bridgestone and Bandag about the social and economic benefits of retreading as well as see the advancements in technology and process, to highlight how Bandag retreads are built for better as a reliable, quality and sustainable tyre solution.
Register for the tour here.
Brought to you by:
6:00 – 8:00pm
6:00 – 8:00pm
NTI Welcome Reception
Get ready to ignite the conference in style with the electrifying networking extravaganza, generously presented by none other than NatRoad Conference Sponsor and Platinum Partner, NTI!
Immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere, clink glasses, and connect with your comrades, all while gearing up for a mind-blowing conference that promises an unparalleled adventure for every single attendee.
Dress Attire: Smart Casual.
Sponsored by:
Thursday 28th September 2023
9:00am – 9:10am
9:00am – 9:10am
Welcome To Day One
Jillian Whiting, MC
Jillian is a familiar face on Queensland television – with over 25 years’ experience as a journalist, newsreader and TV presenter with the Seven and Nine networks, She’s currently a presenter on Channel Seven’s much-loved lifestyle program, Weekender.
A career in the media spotlight has also led to a successful communication business, Media Potential, coaching corporate leaders, politicians, athletes and influencers to be engaging and unforgettable communicators… on and off camera.
Jillian is also highly respected as a host and moderator across a broad range of events from economic forums to opening night galas.
And she is proud to serve on the Women in Media Queensland Committee.
9:10am – 9:20am
9:10am – 9:20am
NatRoad Welcome
Paul Fellows – NatRoad Chair
Paul Fellows boasts more than 40 years’ experience in the transport industry and has a passion for improving safety, professionalism and financial stability. He and his wife, Jenny, own and operate Fellows Bulk Transport, a small bulk transport and grain storage business based in Deniliquin, NSW. Paul is currently Chairman of the Trucksafe scheme, which aims to promote safety, compliance, and professionalism within the transport industry. He is also the Deputy Mayor of Edward River Council in the Riverina region of NSW. Paul is joined as a NatRoad Director in 2020 and has been Chair since 2022.
9:20am – 9:40am
9:20am – 9:40am
Senator's Address by Senator Glenn Sterle
Senator Glenn Sterle
Senator Glenn Sterle was born in Melbourne and raised in Perth. He attended Thornlie Senior High School and left school at 17 to work as a furniture removalist. At the age of 20 he founded his own business operating road trains throughout regional Australia, before becoming an organiser with the Australian Transport Workers Union in 1991.
In 2004 Glenn was elected as a Senator for Western Australia and started working to fight for the issues he cares passionately about.
Glenn also is the chairperson of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs Committee, and in 2012 he was presented with life membership of the Australian Transport Workers Union in 2012 in recognition of his work both at home and abroad.
9:40am – 10:15am
9:40am – 10:15am
The NVHR: Where to from here?
It’s been a decade since the NHVR was instituted as a statutory authority, and under the guidance of CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM, it has developed into an organisation which influences the business and working lives of most people in the road transport industry on an almost daily basis.
The transition from states and territories to the NHVR of regulatory services, compliance and enforcement responsibilities has been intended to deliver better productivity and improved consistency.
With the transition of Queensland due to be complete by the end of this year, the Northern Territory and Western Australia remain the only jurisdictions not party to the “national” regulator.
Sal and his team, which now numbers almost 800 people, have overseen the rollouts of many changes such as PBS and its innovative multi combinations, the Chain of Responsibility legislation and its implications, as well as the adoption of technology based programs such as Electronic Work Diaries.
The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative has seen millions of dollars directed to improve outcomes, and with strong input from industry.
The NHVR is turning its attention to a number of the big picture issues associated with the Australian road freight industry, including the National Transport Commission’s much anticipated review of the HVNL which has resulted in a new package of legislation and regulations to be presented to ministers in July 2024.
Sal Petroccitto, CEO – NHVR
Sal became Chief Executive Officer of the NHVR in May 2014, bringing extensive knowledge of heavy vehicle policy, strategy and regulation to the role.
He also has broad experience across state and local government, having held senior leadership roles in transport and logistics, land use, transport and strategic planning, and has worked closely with industry and stakeholders to deliver an efficient and effective transport system and improved supply chain outcomes.
Over the past seven years, Sal has led a significant program of reform across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry, including transitioning functions from participating jurisdictions to deliver a single national heavy vehicle regulator, harmonising heavy vehicle regulations across more than 400 road managers, and modernising safety and productivity laws for heavy vehicle operators and the supply chain.
He has also led the NHVR’s transformation to a customer-centric organisation, focusing on outcomes that deliver the biggest benefit to the most people in the heavy vehicle sector, driven by the NHVR Portal and backed up by a comprehensive set of data from across Australia.
Peter Shields, Senior Features Writer – Prime Creative Media
Peter started his career as a performance car and heavy vehicle mechanic and was an active member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers. He operated his own service station before becoming the CEO of a national motorsport organisation. He later went on to become a senior manager at one of Australia’s largest petroleum distributors in a role which included group credit control and managing tanker fleet operations, where he oversaw the conversion from US-style prime movers to European brands. He then took on national marketing roles with a number of international and Australian oil and chemical companies.
Peter has now been in the road transport magazine industry for 17 years, the last 11 as Senior Features Writer at Prime Mover magazine.
10:15am – 10:45am
10:15am – 10:45am
Morning Tea
Brought to you by NatRoad Conference Sponsor MTData.
10:45am – 12:00pm
10:45am – 12:00pm
With PBS Freedom - Let's talk about the future of the Australian Truck
The PBS scheme is a world leading opportunity for Australian trucking to deliver substantial efficiencies, now and in the future. The past tagged PBS as niche activity for those with deep pockets and solid contracts. Entrepreneurial drive and reduced barriers to entry have broadened the PBS field and widened the pool of dreamers. New and seemingly risky ideas have proven safe and productive. What’s next for the ever improving Future Australian Truck?
Come and join us as we discuss the possibilities under the PBS scheme and how they will evolve the Future Australian Truck.
Lyndon Watson, Don Watson Transport
Lyndon Watson has enjoyed an extraordinarily wide-ranging career in the transport industry. With roles starting with trainee mechanic and forklift driver, moving to truck driving in local rigids up to linehaul roadtrains. Lyndon is currently CEO of Watson Group, a Victoria-based interstate refrigerated transport and cold storage business. Lyndon has served on a range of industry committees and national transport associations. He has been a Director of NatRoad since 2022.
David Clark, Smedleys Engineers
With both an engineering degree and business management qualifications to his name, David has been at the forefront of cutting-edge engineering since 2012. He began his career in the F1 & Special Builds division of one of the world’s leading high-performance automotive cooling specialists, and in 2015 he moved across to heavy vehicle industry as a mechanical engineer.
Like most engineers, his attraction to the field began as a young lad, dismantling anything he could, in order to figure out what made it work. This fascination was fuelled by access to his family’s own trucks and machinery from a young age, and a background in speedway racing.
His extensive experience in brake, noise and roll-over testing has driven his enthusiasm to find new innovations in vehicle performance, and he feeds off the excitement, expectation and pressure that comes with applying and assessing new technology. This eagerness is only matched by his deep-seated interest in developing vehicle components that enhance safety, output and efficiency, underpinned by his broad industry knowledge and outstanding customer service
Les Bruzsa, NHVR
Les, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, is highly-regarded nationally and internationally for his contributions to the transport engineering industry in the areas of heavy vehicle dynamics, performance based standards, computer simulation and heavy vehicle technology. In his current position as the Chief Engineer of the NHVR, Les is providing engineering, technical and policy leadership on the advancement of heavy vehicle productivity and safety initiatives. He is leading the continuous improvement of heavy vehicle regulations and standards and overseeing a broad variety of engineering and technical activities within the NHVR. He has been at the forefront of advocating for PBS since the early 2000s, taking a leading role in pushing the boundaries of innovation necessary to manage the increasing freight task. In September 2017, Les won ATA’s prestigious Castrol Vecton Industry Achievement Award and in 2022, Les was inducted into National Road Transport Hall of Fame recognising his contribution to the Australian heavy vehicle industry and acknowledging Les’s passion and expertise as Australia’s foremost authority on high productivity freight vehicles.
12:00pm – 12:30pm
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Future of the Supply Chain
Catherine Baxter
Catherine Baxter is Chief Operating Officer at Team Global Express (TGE), responsible for safely and efficiently operating Australia’s largest intermodal freight network.
Catherine leads a team of over 7000 dedicated and passionate direct employees and several thousand contractors. Her team is focused on delivering products safely and on time while continually improving customer experience and supporting the growth of the business.
Catherine is a strong champion of diversity and improving gender equality in the workplace. During her career, she has supported major change, including at Metro Trains Melbourne, where the company achieved a record
37% of all train drivers being female.
With 30 years of experience in the industry, Catherine has a strong focus on safe and disciplined operations. She has extensive experience and expertise in transport, having previously held executive roles in large national ASX
listed businesses, including Aurizon, UGL, and Boral, together with Metro Trains Melbourne, a large private
company. Catherine is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a member of Chartered Institute Transport and Logistics (CITL), an Associate Fellow of ANZ Institute of Managers and Leaders, and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
In her spare time, she is an active member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne and holds the position of Vice President while serving as a director on the board.
12:30pm – 1:15pm
12:30pm – 1:15pm
Future Fuels in Road Transport
Transport currently represents around 19% of Australia’s overall carbon emissions and is the second largest emissions sector after Power Generation. There are a range of existing and emerging solutions at different stages of maturity to decarbonize the industry including electrification, hydrogen and biofuels. This panel will discuss the different technologies expected to play a significant role in road transport in the future and what Ampol is doing in this space.
Angeles Miranda – Head of Business e-Mobility Solutions, Ampol
As the Head of e-Mobility for Business Solutions, Angeles is responsible for executing Ampol’s e-mobility strategy to respond to the needs of businesses across Australia, enabling world class integrated EV charging solutions at home, on-route and in the workplace. Angeles has held roles in Ampol leading transformation, strategy and operational excellence – playing a key role in building Ampol’s future energy strategy, including EV, hydrogen carbon mitigation and e-Mobility solutions.
Patrick Luxton – GM Hydrogen, Ampol
Patrick leads Ampol’s Hydrogen business and has recently announced a partnership with hydrogen equipment manufacturer and supplier OneH2, Inc. to represent the United States based company in the Australian hydrogen market. The OneH2 partnership will allow Ampol to offer a unique and complete hydrogen refuelling solution and further assist customers’ decarbonisation journeys. Patrick has deep experience in the oil and gas industry across a number of different businesses with Ampol and Origin Energy, including marine, aviation, supply and trading.
Mike Hart – GM Next Generation Fuels, Ampol
Michael leads the Next Generation Fuels business for Ampol, developing an advanced biofuels business in Australia. Ampol announced in March of this year that it is pursuing an advanced biofuels project in Brisbane, together with Japanese energy company ENEOS. An experienced energy professional, he has over 25 years’ experience with Ampol and BP across the commercial sector, bioenergy, and trading and shipping in Australia and overseas.
1:15pm – 2:00pm
1:15pm – 2:00pm
Lunch
Brought to you by NatRoad Conference Sponsor MTData.
2:00pm – 2:45pm
2:00pm – 2:45pm
Master Class Option 1 - Law, what is it good for?
Force majeure? PPS Act? Injunction? Statutory Demand?
You are likely to come across these, and other legal phrases in running your transport business – but what on earth do they mean?
In just 2.5 hours, Gillian Bristow will attempt the impossible … to translate legal jargon into plain English. Gillian will bring with her 30 years of experience in transport and logistics to expose common traps in the industry and explain confusing concepts to ensure that you understand what you’re signing up for when you put pen to paper. There will be lots of examples, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Topics to be covered in this session include:
• Knowing who you are dealing with;
• Entering into contracts;
• Getting paid;
• Dealing with customers and claims;
• Dealing with regulators; and
• Avoiding personal liability.
Gillian Bristow, Bristow Legal
Gillian has practised in the transport sector for more than 25 years. She acts for a wide variety of transport and logistics clients across all jurisdictions, including road transport operators, warehouse operators and freight forwarders. Gillian regularly provides advice in relation to transport and warehousing contracts, chain of responsibility issues, dangerous goods legislation and owner driver legislation. Because of the industry focus of her practice, she is able to offer insight into the legal issues that face transport operators on a day to day basis.
Gillian has published many articles in various journals and publications dealing with transport law and regularly presents at conferences and seminars on current legal issues affecting the transport industry.
2:00pm – 2:45pm
2:00pm – 2:45pm
Master Class Option 2 - Psychological Safety: It's time for understanding and planning
Mental health is a significant issue for the Australian road transport industry. Businesses of all sizes are navigating their way through how to support their staff and respond to recent changes in legislation. Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, a foundation dedicated to promoting mental health in the transport and logistic sector, together with AP Psychology and Consulting Services, a leader in psychological health and safety, bring together a session designed to educate organisations on their responsibilities, demonstrate how businesses can work towards compliance with legislative changes, and discuss the cost and rise in psychological claims. The session will build understanding regarding how to identify and control risks using a practical toolkit to create and enhance psychological health and safety in your workplace.
Melissa Weller, Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds
Melissa Weller joined Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds as Director Industry Relations and Program Management in 2021.
Since joining Healthy Heads, Melissa has led the development and delivery of initiatives including the Healthy Heads Nutrition Program, Healthy Heads Road Show outreach events and tools and resources to support businesses to create psychologically safe and thriving workplaces.
In previous roles, Melissa has worked in the road safety sector managing road safety projects and campaigns. Part of this time was spent as Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director at the ATA. Here, Melissa led the evidence-based design of SafeT360, a major safety exhibition and campaign that ran from 2019 to 2023. She also managed TruckSafe, the ATA’s comprehensive safety accreditation scheme that considers the technical and mechanical aspects of industry safety and addresses human safety factors.
Dr Jennifer Ward
Jen has a PhD and MSc in Psychology, is a Chartered Psychologist and has worked across the field of mental health for the last 10 years. She has experience in academia, not for profit, sport, healthcare and start-up environments.
Krisha Hunt, AP Consulting
Krisha has an MSc in Occupational & Organisational Psychology, is a registered psychologist and has over 20 year’s experience working across industries and sectors in the field of organisational and individual performance and mental health.
2:45pm – 3:30pm
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Master Class Option 1 - Law, what is it good for? (continued)
Force majeure? PPS Act? Injunction? Statutory Demand?
You are likely to come across these, and other legal phrases in running your transport business – but what on earth do they mean?
In just 2.5 hours, Gillian Bristow will attempt the impossible … to translate legal jargon into plain English. Gillian will bring with her 30 years of experience in transport and logistics to expose common traps in the industry and explain confusing concepts to ensure that you understand what you’re signing up for when you put pen to paper. There will be lots of examples, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Topics to be covered in this session include:
• Knowing who you are dealing with;
• Entering into contracts;
• Getting paid;
• Dealing with customers and claims;
• Dealing with regulators; and
• Avoiding personal liability.
Gillian Bristow, Bristow Legal
Gillian has practised in the transport sector for more than 25 years. She acts for a wide variety of transport and logistics clients across all jurisdictions, including road transport operators, warehouse operators and freight forwarders. Gillian regularly provides advice in relation to transport and warehousing contracts, chain of responsibility issues, dangerous goods legislation and owner driver legislation. Because of the industry focus of her practice, she is able to offer insight into the legal issues that face transport operators on a day to day basis.
Gillian has published many articles in various journals and publications dealing with transport law and regularly presents at conferences and seminars on current legal issues affecting the transport industry.
2:45pm – 3:30pm
2:45pm – 3:30pm
Master Class Option 2 - When your emotions drive you: recognising & self-regulating signs of fatigue
This master class will discuss how we often drive as we feel, and make decisions based on mood, not circumstance.
This ties in nicely to fatigued driving as bad mood can be a great sign of fatigue. I’ll present an overview of findings from our ongoing project to understand fatigue in the workplace and then open up a discussion about what signs to look out for and how to avoid or mitigate fatigued driving.
Dr Amanda Stephens, Monash University Research Centre
Amanda is a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University Accident Research Centre. She has been involved in road safety research for almost two decades and her background is in the psychology behind driver behaviour. Amanda completed her PhD in Psychology at the University of Surrey, UK focusing on the role that emotions play in how a driver evaluates and responds to their current driving environment. She has published extensively in this area, with a primary research focus on anger and aggressive driving. She is currently involved in designing and implementing behaviour modification programs to support drivers in managing emotional, fatigued or inattentive driving. Her recent program to reduce aggressive driving (RAD) has helped drivers avoid or manage situations of anger and aggression. She is currently leading a project funded by the AAA to develop a program to support workplace drivers recognise and self-regulate signs of fatigued driving.
3:45pm – 4:30pm
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Master Class Option 1 - Law, what is it good for? (continued)
Force majeure? PPS Act? Injunction? Statutory Demand?
You are likely to come across these, and other legal phrases in running your transport business – but what on earth do they mean?
In just 2.5 hours, Gillian Bristow will attempt the impossible … to translate legal jargon into plain English. Gillian will bring with her 30 years of experience in transport and logistics to expose common traps in the industry and explain confusing concepts to ensure that you understand what you’re signing up for when you put pen to paper. There will be lots of examples, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Topics to be covered in this session include:
• Knowing who you are dealing with;
• Entering into contracts;
• Getting paid;
• Dealing with customers and claims;
• Dealing with regulators; and
• Avoiding personal liability.
Gillian Bristow, Bristow Legal
Gillian has practised in the transport sector for more than 25 years. She acts for a wide variety of transport and logistics clients across all jurisdictions, including road transport operators, warehouse operators and freight forwarders. Gillian regularly provides advice in relation to transport and warehousing contracts, chain of responsibility issues, dangerous goods legislation and owner driver legislation. Because of the industry focus of her practice, she is able to offer insight into the legal issues that face transport operators on a day to day basis.
Gillian has published many articles in various journals and publications dealing with transport law and regularly presents at conferences and seminars on current legal issues affecting the transport industry.
3:45pm – 4:30pm
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Master Class Option 2 - Transitioning to a single National Map
The NHVR Portal is being improved to become a heavy vehicle ‘business centre’ and deliver a seamless experience for operators and road managers alike. A key focus area for improvement is delivering a single national map, which will provide industry a single authoritative location for all heavy vehicle networks in the Portal. This session will provide details on the implementation of the single national map including what to expect on the go live date in December 2023.
John Barry, Digital Products Manager, NHVR
John Barry is the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Digital Products Manager. He is responsible for delivering the next generation of the NHVR’s digital service platforms including the NHVR Route Planner and Portal. John is an accomplished technology strategist and innovator with more than 18 years’ experience designing and delivering web-based solutions. With a background in road transport technology and regulation, John has been the technical lead on programs that have won the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia award for Excellence in Government Innovation. His programs have also been nominated for the Prime Minister’s award for Excellence in Public Sector Management.
4:30pm – 5:15pm
4:30pm – 5:15pm
Master Class Option 1 - Law, what is it good for? (continued)
Force majeure? PPS Act? Injunction? Statutory Demand?
You are likely to come across these, and other legal phrases in running your transport business – but what on earth do they mean?
In just 2.5 hours, Gillian Bristow will attempt the impossible … to translate legal jargon into plain English. Gillian will bring with her 30 years of experience in transport and logistics to expose common traps in the industry and explain confusing concepts to ensure that you understand what you’re signing up for when you put pen to paper. There will be lots of examples, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Topics to be covered in this session include:
• Knowing who you are dealing with;
• Entering into contracts;
• Getting paid;
• Dealing with customers and claims;
• Dealing with regulators; and
• Avoiding personal liability.
Gillian Bristow, Bristow Legal
Gillian has practised in the transport sector for more than 25 years. She acts for a wide variety of transport and logistics clients across all jurisdictions, including road transport operators, warehouse operators and freight forwarders. Gillian regularly provides advice in relation to transport and warehousing contracts, chain of responsibility issues, dangerous goods legislation and owner driver legislation. Because of the industry focus of her practice, she is able to offer insight into the legal issues that face transport operators on a day to day basis.
Gillian has published many articles in various journals and publications dealing with transport law and regularly presents at conferences and seminars on current legal issues affecting the transport industry.
4:30pm – 5:15pm
4:30pm – 5:15pm
Master Class Option 2 - A look forward into PBS
With more than 18,300 approved combinations and growing, the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme has far exceeded original projections for uptake of innovative combinations. However, here in lies the problem. For the scheme to continue providing productivity and safety benefits to industry and the community, reform is necessary. This session will provide an overview of the latest trends in PBS fleet development, work underway to evolve the PBS standards, and an update on NHVR’s PBS reform proposals.
Scott Britton
5:30pm – 6:30pm
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Teletrac Navman Happy Hour
Elevate your excitement meter as we invite you to indulge in a refreshing beverage courtesy of NatRoad Conference Sponsor and Silver Partner, Teletrac Navman! Immerse yourself in an evening of high-octane networking, where industry camaraderie reaches new heights at this exuberant social soirée. Don’t miss this chance to forge connections, share insights, and make memories that will resonate long after the event. Your presence is the missing piece to this electrifying puzzle of professional camaraderie!
Dress Attire: Smart Casual
Sponsored by:
Friday 29th September 2023
8:30am – 9:00am
8:30am – 9:00am
Annual General Meeting (NatRoad Members Only)
All current financial NatRoad Members are encouraged to attend, and if you are not a Member and would like to become one to attend, please contact us at 1800 272 144 or email info@natroad.com.au.
9:00am – 9:05am
9:00am – 9:05am
Welcome to Day 2
Jillian Whiting, MC
Jillian is a familiar face on Queensland television – with over 25 years’ experience as a journalist, newsreader and TV presenter with the Seven and Nine networks, She’s currently a presenter on Channel Seven’s much-loved lifestyle program, Weekender.
A career in the media spotlight has also led to a successful communication business, Media Potential, coaching corporate leaders, politicians, athletes and influencers to be engaging and unforgettable communicators… on and off camera.
Jillian is also highly respected as a host and moderator across a broad range of events from economic forums to opening night galas.
And she is proud to serve on the Women in Media Queensland Committee.
9:05am – 9:20am
9:05am – 9:20am
NatRoad Strategic Update
Warren Clark, CEO
Warren Clark has been Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Transport Association since November 2015. In more than six years at the helm, he has successfully grown and managed the organisation through a period of unprecedented challenges. Warren has more than 20 years of experience in leading and developing business for emerging companies, specialising in the not-for-profit sector. A certified Chartered Accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Financial Management from the University of New England. Prior to joining NatRoad he headed a peak industry council-driven, rural biosecurity operation in a highly regulated sector, and led the offshore arm of a sustainable livestock export business. Warren possesses a strong business and leadership record and a deep understanding of the road transport industry in Australia.
9:20am – 9:50am
9:20am – 9:50am
Towards a sustainable road freight transport - Einride's experiences
Road freight sector is facing several challenges, such as decarbonisation and driver shortage. As an answer to these, Einride – a tech-driven company, was established in 2016 with the goal of leading the change in road freight transport. Despite its young age, the company operates one of the largest fleets of heavy-duty electric trucks and is developing and operating autonomous trucks. Einride is also building charging infrastructure as well as building its own fleet management solution, optimised for electric and autonomous trucks.
Zeljko Jeftic, Director Autonomous Electric Transport
Zeljko Jeftic is Director of Autonomous Electric Transports – Commercial at Einride where he is responsible for setting out product strategies and customer deployments. He has more than 20 years of experience in road transport innovation including work at Volvo and ERTICO – ITS Europe. In addition, as Head of Global Innovation at the IRU – world’s road transport organisation which represents 3.5 million transport companies, Zeljko led the cooperation with national trucking, bus/coach and taxi organisations focusing on automation, electrification and digitalisation. Engineer by education he has dedicated his career to reducing environmental impact and increasing overall sustainability of road transport.
9:50am – 10:20am
9:50am – 10:20am
Racing Academy - creating their own talent pool
Bruce Steward
Brought to you by:
10:20am – 10:50am
10:20am – 10:50am
Morning Tea
Brought to you by NatRoad Conference Sponsor MTData.
10:50am – 11:20am
10:50am – 11:20am
In conversation with Michael Kaine
Michael Kaine, National Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union
Michael has been fighting for the rights of transport workers for over 20 years – from the NSW Branch legal team right through to national leadership. He drives the union’s national campaigns, bringing together workers from all sectors of road transport and aviation to fight as one powerful force for safe rates of pay and conditions and to lift standards in transport.
Michael began his career at the TWU as the organiser responsible for owner drivers in trucking, leading worker actions to protect enforceable standards for transport workers. He was later part of the Safe Rates Advisory Group of the Gillard Labor Government which created the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.
Building strength within the TWU between road transport and aviation, Michael applied his experience to lift industry standards across the airport by achieving equal pay across companies. Along with his advocacy for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to rebalance the industry towards secure jobs and quality services, the TWU under Michael’s leadership has fought against the sector’s race to the bottom – including by fighting and winning legal action against Qantas’ illegal outsourcing of more than 2,000 workers during the pandemic.
A respected figure in the union movement, Michael has also led the charge to kick banks out of superannuation as well as daringly taking on multinational giants in the gig economy such as Amazon to protect Australia’s hard-earned workers’ rights.
11:20am – 11:40am
11:20am – 11:40am
Safe, productive and sustainable freight in NSW
Safety, productivity and sustainability are not mutually exclusive goals when it comes to enabling the movement of freight in NSW. Executive Director of Freight, Scott Greenow will share how Transport for NSW is working closely with industry to achieve all three, across its priority areas of work.
Scott Greenow, Acting Director Freight, Transport for NSW
Scott Greenow is the Acting Director Freight at Transport for NSW. Scott leads Freight Branch which is responsible for heavy vehicle access decision-making and providing subject matter expertise within Transport for NSW to influence and inform network planning, project identification and delivery, and the operational management of the road network.
Scott is based in Parramatta with a team distributed across NSW from Parramatta to Grafton to Wagga. His background includes experience in frontline heavy vehicle operations; heavy vehicle driver training; and operations and human resources management roles. Scott has worked in multiple roles in the Transport cluster for the past 25 years and won the NSW Trainee of the Year award in 2005.
Scott understands the need to work closely with industry to support safer and more productive road network outcomes that benefit industry, communities and road managers. The growing freight task is already giving rise to new challenges in ensuring the road network is operated in a way that facilitates the delivery of efficient and reliable services. Scott is looking forward to continuing to work with industry to identify solutions to ensure the ambition of safer and more productive road freight outcomes is realised.
11:40am – 12:20pm
11:40am – 12:20pm
Industrial Relations reform, what you need to know
Annie Smeaton, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
With many years’ experience as an advocate with a strong background in employment, industrial, safety, education (including pre-enrolment and enrolment) and anti-discrimination law, Annie provides her employer clients with strong representation and practical commercial advice.
Annie acts for large corporations and institutions as well as employers in the SMEs market and education and training, resources and energy, transport and logistics, manufacturing and professional services industries. Annie acts for a range of independent schools, training institutions and institutions in the pre-university market. Annie also undertakes employment and regulatory law work in the health sector including for registered medical practitioners.
Annie has extensive experience undertaking complex workplace investigations concerning harassment, bullying and safety breaches.
12:20pm – 12:50pm
12:20pm – 12:50pm
The state of the economy, what's going on and for how much longer?
As part of the release of ANZ’s annual Road Freight Transport industry report, our ANZ speaker will touch on some of the key economic factors that are expected to impact the industry’s outlook – including: Inflation, and the Official Cash Rate, the Global Supply Chain challenges, Changing consumer habits, and consumer confidence, Net migration, and domestic population growth.
Dean Evagorou, Associate Director ANZ Client Insights
Dean is an Associate Director in the ANZ Client Insights & Solutions Team, which aims to provide market leading corporate finance, business, and industry analytics and insights. Dean has worked in the Banking sector for over 10-years, servicing clients ranging from one-shop operations to large institutions, and authored ANZ’s 8th edition of the Road Transport Industry report released earlier this year.
12:50pm – 1:40pm
12:50pm – 1:40pm
Lunch
Brought to you by NatRoad Conference Sponsor MTData.
1:40pm – 2:10pm
1:40pm – 2:10pm
Driving Decarbonisation: Everything you need to know
Join Barbara on a journey through the world of decarbonisation, demystifying the language that often surrounds it. With a focus on practicality, Barbara breaks down complex terms, ensuring everyone gains a clear understanding.
She’ll challenge assumptions by showcasing how sustainability isn’t only for industry giants and how future disclosure requirements will affect the entire supply chain, from major players to smaller businesses.
This session equips you not only with knowledge but also with actionable and achievable steps. Barbara will show a 3-step method for how you can address customer requirements and position yourself as a leading business. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Barbara bridges the gap between theory and practice. Barbara will also share her experience working with Bridgestone on their carbon footprint and decarbonisation journey.
Her goal is to empower you with clarity and confidence. By the end of this session, you’ll have a practical understanding of decarbonisation, insights into the future, and a roadmap for your business’s sustainable journey.
Barbara Albert, 100% Renewables Co-CEO
Barbara is the Co-CEO of 100% Renewables and a leading expert in the development of net-zero strategies. As a dynamic speaker and host of the popular podcast “Driving Net Profit with Zero Emissions,” she shares her knowledge and insights on how businesses can align profitability with climate action.
Barbara is also an award-winning author of the book “Energy Unlimited,” which offers a comprehensive and practical guide on how to achieve 100% renewable energy.
Barbara is a specialist in carbon accounting and net zero, and has extensive experience as a speaker and facilitator at conferences and workshops for small-medium business owners. Her unique blend of business acumen, climate risk expertise, and facilitation skills allows her to effectively guide participants on the journey towards net zero emissions, addressing strategies, opportunities, and challenges along the way.
With a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University for Business Administration and Economics in Vienna and studies at New York University’s Stern School of Business, Barbara is deeply committed to promoting the transition to net-zero emissions as a viable and profitable path for businesses. Her work demonstrates that a sustainable future is not only necessary but also achievable and profitable.
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2:20pm – 2:50pm
2:20pm – 2:50pm
Valmai Dempsey - Volunteer at St John Ambulance
Starting as a cadet volunteer while still in primary school, for more than 50 years Valmai (Val) Dempsey has dedicated her life to St John Ambulance. She’s one of the Australian Capital Territory’s longest-serving volunteers and, year after year, she still dedicates more hours than any other volunteer.
In 2020, Val faced her biggest challenge yet as a St John Ambulance volunteer – first with the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, she led 40 fellow volunteers as they supported fire-affected communities during the emergency that stretched over many weeks.
Then when the pandemic hit, Val displayed unwavering commitment to the St John team, despite heavy impacts on team morale. Without hesitation, she personally contacted every volunteer to check they were ‘doing OK’ in terms of welfare, mental health and morale.
It is these tireless commitments to St John that has led many in the community to know her lovingly as ‘Aunty Val’.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
3:00pm – 3:30pm
NatRoad Directors Wrap Up
6:00pm – 7:00pm
6:00pm – 7:00pm
7:30pm – 11:00pm
7:30pm – 11:00pm
Cummins and PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund Gala Dinner
Enjoy a lavish dinner with exciting entertainment, good food and a recognition of the hard workers in the industry with the NTI NatRoad Awards.
This social networking event is proudly brought to you by NatRoad Conference Sponsor Cummins & PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund.
Dress Attire: Cocktail
Dave O’Neill, MC
Dave O’Neil has been in the business of comedy for over 20 years and is one of Australia’s most recognisable stand-up comics, having performed at 16 Melbourne International Comedy Festivals and at dozens of comedy clubs nationally.
On screen you will have seen Dave appear as a guest on Hughesy, We Have A Problem, The Yearly with Charlie Pickering, as Team Captain in the ABC TV comedy quiz show Tractor Monkeys, dishing out life advice in The Agony of the Mind, The Agony of Life, The Agony of Modern Manners, Can of Worms, plus messing about on Adam Hills In Gordon Street Tonight and Good News Week. He is probably most well-known for the honour of being the guest with the most appearances (over 50) on ABC TV’s ever-popular Spicks & Specks.
As well as his stand up and television career, Dave is a skilled radio broadcaster, and has been a part of successful teams on Nova 100 (with Kate Langbroek and Dave Hughes), Vega 91.5/Classic Rock FM (with Sean Micallef, Denise Scott, Chrissie Swan and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson), and most recently on ABC Radio Melbourne. In 2017 Dave launched his podcast The Debrief with Dave O’Neil – each episode, Dave drives a comedian home from a gig and discusses comedy and their career.
He has written several books, including his The Summer of ’82, and Everything Tastes Better Crumbed… and other BIG Statements. Dave has written and acted in films (including starring alongside Eric Bana in The Nugget) and contributed to numerous sketch comedy shows.
Dave’s observational humour and genuine humility have also made him a much sought-after MC and corporate entertainer.
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