An initiative to celebrate and showcase diversity in trucking has received overwhelming support from industry members following its launch in December by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and Teletrac Navman.
The Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program is a ground-breaking initiative that will celebrate industry diversity, develop diversity champions, and improve industry image.
ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said that while Australia was experiencing a big shift in the perception of transport, there was still a lot ground to cover when it came to diversifying the workplace.
“The ATA, Teletrac Navman and our member associations are driving diversity change and working hard to create more inclusive, positive workplaces,” he said.
“Diverse workplaces are better workplaces, and it is time they are celebrated and embraced.
“Workplace diversity’s proven benefits include increased productivity, access to a greater talent pool, competitive advantages, and the development of more inclusive, attractive workplaces,” he said.
Participants in the 2020 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program will learn how to create change and facilitate diversity in their workplace and community, share personal insights, develop a marketing campaign that showcases diversity within industry, and develop a strong professional network with like-minded individuals.
Since launching nominations for the program in December 2019, the ATA, its member associations and TruckSafe have received overwhelming support for the program and interest from potential participants.
CEO of ATA member Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) Gary Mahon said the QTA looked forward to working with program participants to make a difference in the industry.
“The Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program is opening up conversations with our members about what they are doing in their business to support diversity and how they can create cultural change to grow their workforce into future,” Mr Mahon said.
Executive Director of ATA member the Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) Michelle Harwood said the program was a great opportunity to showcase local diversity stories on a national scale.
“The TTA understands the value of celebrating diversity in the workplace and have been proud to recognise initiatives and programs that improve workforce diversity in the industry through the annual Tasmanian Transport Industry Workforce Diversity Award, sponsored by TasRail,” Ms Harwood said.
“The Driving Change program further enables the industry to share local stories of diversity and shine a spotlight on the innovative approaches of our members to improve workforce diversity,” she said.
Meanwhile the ATA’s safety accreditation scheme, TruckSafe, has received significant interest from potential participants.
“Our members understand the importance of diversifying the workforce and are keen to play a role in making real change in the industry,” ATA Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director Melissa Weller said.
“Diversity is what makes us unique, whether it be someone’s age, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation or race. This program is about celebrating what makes us all different and how we can foster more inclusive workplaces,” she said.
Nominations for the Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program can be made through ATA member associations or TruckSafe. Participants must be involved as an owner or employee in a trucking business that is a financial member of an ATA member association or TruckSafe. A participant could also be a direct member of an ATA association that offers individual membership.
The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.
