Australia’s trucking industry is facing a growing driver shortage, but new voices are stepping forward to shape its future. A recent multicultural drivers’ roundtable hosted by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) highlighted that all truck drivers – regardless of background – should meet the same licensing standards to ensure safety and fairness on the road.
ATA CEO Mathew Munro said the drivers’ feedback was clear: overseas driving credentials higher than a car licence should not be recognised. Instead, all drivers should complete the same training and licensing pathways, including South Australia’s Multicombination (MC) Licence Program, which requires 50–60 logged hours of supervised driving before an assessment.
For young people considering a career, truck driving offers strong earning potential compared to other professions. According to ATA career factsheets:
- A police officer earns $81,500 as a probationary constable after extensive training.
- A business graduate earns $58,000–$88,000 after a three-year degree costing about $51,000.
- A qualified car mechanic earns around $53,700 after a four-year apprenticeship.
- A gym instructor earns $40,300 at 18 and $53,700 at 20.
By contrast, a truck driver can start quickly with licensing and training courses and earn $88,000, with overtime available for long-distance work.
Munro said the roundtable also tackled challenges multicultural drivers face, including racial abuse on UHF radio and social media. The ATA is working on initiatives to help drivers understand sham contracting, stand up to racist abuse, and build fairer workplaces.
“By strengthening training and licensing pathways, we can help address the driver shortage while also creating a fairer, more accessible industry – one where all drivers have the opportunity to succeed and build long-term careers,” Munro said.
- Breaking Barriers and Raising Standards in the Workshop
Transit Systems Victoria has appointed Ellearn Savvidis as Workshop Assets Manager at its Footscray depot, highlighting both her career progression and the growing diversity within Australia’s mechanical and public transport sectors. The appointment reflects a broader shift across the industry, where technical expertise, data capability and leadership skills are increasingly combined to manage modern fleets. - Isuzu Australia Announces Leadership TransitionIsuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has confirmed a leadership transition that will see long-serving executive Andrew Harbison appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of current CEO Takeo Shindo at the end of March. Shindo will conclude his five-year assignment in Australia on 31 March 2026, returning to Japan to take up a
- Hino Crowns Top DealersHino Australia has recognised the top performers across its national dealer network at the 2025 Hino Dealer of the Year Awards held in Sydney. CMI Hino Adelaide (SA) claimed the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year title for the sixth time, while Newcastle Hino (NSW) secured the Regional Dealer of the Year award for the fifth time. Richard Emery, President and CEO
- Kinetic Program Targets Next Generation of Transport LeadersMass transit operator Kinetic has launched a new cadetship program aimed at developing the next generation of leaders in the transport industry across Australia and New Zealand. The Kinetic Cadetship Program will provide participants with practical experience across key areas of the business, including operations, planning and leadership. Cadets will undertake structured rotations while receiving targeted training, dedicated mentorship
- IVECO Names Top Australian Dealers for 2025IVECO has recognised the standout performers across its Australian dealer network, announcing its top dealerships for 2025 at a ceremony held during its annual Dealer Conference and new Daily launch event . The awards were divided by metropolitan and regional locations and across four key categories: Medium and Heavy Dealer of the Year, Light Dealer
