The Australian Trucking Association and Australian Government have celebrated the efforts of Australia’s truck drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Together with Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz, the ATA has thanked industry members who are working on the frontline to keep the country supplied.
“Let me thank all of those drivers, transport operators, freight and logistics workers who throughout this pandemic have risen to the challenge and kept our shelves stocked and critical supplies moving.
“The work you do is important, and you have the absolute respect and appreciation of the entire country.
“Thank you to all of those who have made the choice to get vaccinated and those businesses big and small who have supported their teams to get vaccinated,” Mr Buchholz said.
ATA Chair David Smith said truck drivers have been crucial in keeping Australia supplied. He commended them on the enormous effort they have displayed in doing the right thing, despite challenging border restrictions and COVID testing requirements.
“In all the tens of thousands of border crossings that occur every night of the week we have only had a handful of cases in the transport industry,” Mr Smith said.
“One of my fully vaccinated drivers has had more than 65 COVID tests carried out on him.
“This is physically and emotionally exhausting but demonstrates the commitment and dedication drivers and their families around the country are displaying,” he said.
Mr Smith said that with many operators and business owners in low spirits, it was important for the wider community to recognise and celebrate the essential role they play.
“Trucks are responsible for putting food in the supermarket, medicines in the pharmacy and fuel in the service station. Everything we consume is brought to us on a truck, and our drivers should be proud,” he said.
Moving forward, Minster Buchholz said the most important thing industry can do is to get vaccinated.
“It is so important we all get vaccinated; I have had two doses of AstraZeneca and am now fully vaccinated.
“GP’s, pharmacies and vaccination hubs are supplied and ready to put jabs in arms and I ask you to join me in getting vaccinated,” Mr Buchholz said.
To book your vaccination visit Australia.gov.au
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