Equal Standards, Safer Roads: ATA Report Calls for National Consistency in Truck Licensing

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has called for all truck drivers in Australia to meet the same licensing standards following the release of its Multicultural Driver Roundtable Findings report.

The report, compiled after a roundtable held in March 2025, highlights the experiences of multicultural drivers and employers across the industry. It confirms that while migrant drivers are a growing and vital part of Australia’s transport workforce, many face harassment, inconsistent training, and unclear licensing pathways that threaten both safety and retention.

ATA CEO Mathew Munro said the insights from the roundtable show the need for stronger, fairer licensing and training systems.

“The drivers told us very clearly that every truck driver in Australia should meet the same licensing standards,” Mr Munro said. “Overseas driving credentials higher than a car licence shouldn’t be recognised. We need to ensure everyone is trained to the same level and given the same opportunity to succeed safely.”

The ATA is urging all states and territories to adopt South Australia’s Multi Combination (MC) Licence Program, which replaces the current one-year waiting period between licence classes with a supervised and logged training system.

“Drivers in South Australia now complete 50 to 60 hours of supervised training in real MC vehicles,” Mr Munro explained. “It’s a program that sets drivers up for success and strengthens safety on our roads.”

Addressing Racism and Wellbeing

The report, facilitated by Amar Singh (Turbans4Australia), Bill McKinley, and Bianca D’Rosario, found that many multicultural drivers face racist abuse on UHF radio and social media, as well as bullying and sham contracting.
Several participants reported being taunted as “inexperienced,” having their photos shared online without consent, or being threatened with visa consequences when standing up for their rights.

“These are deeply concerning findings,” Mr Munro said. “No driver should face harassment or feel unsafe doing their job. We must ensure our industry is welcoming and respectful to everyone.”

To address these challenges, the ATA will develop:

• Resources to help drivers recognise and report sham contracting, and access information on their workplace rights and visa entitlements.
• An industry-wide charter to encourage companies to stand up against racist abuse and promote inclusive workplace cultures.
• Awareness partnerships through initiatives such as Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, Big Rigs Radio, and the SBS Inclusion Program.

Strengthening Training Standards

Drivers and employers agreed that training quality across the country varies significantly and is often “not fit for purpose.” Participants supported reforms including:

• Mandatory hours-based training for licence progression.
• Consistent standards across registered training organisations.
• Comprehensive instruction in load restraint, axle weights, fatigue management, and Australian road culture.

Mr Munro said improving driver training and support is vital for building a stronger, safer workforce.

“By strengthening licensing and training pathways, we can address driver shortages while making the industry safer and more accessible,” he said. “A fair, high-standard system benefits everyone — drivers, employers, and the public.”

Incentives and Next Steps

The ATA’s recommendations include introducing financial support for apprenticeships in driving operations and a completion bonus for drivers undertaking short accredited courses. It has also proposed the creation of a national skills passport to simplify the verification of qualifications and experience for drivers and employers alike.

The report forms part of the ATA’s InRoads Workforce Program, which aims to build a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable road transport sector. The program has already distributed nearly 3,000 career factsheets and enrolled more than 1,850 people in diversity and inclusion training through the ATA’s partnership with SBS Inclusion.

Collaboration Across Industry

The roundtable and report were supported by Volvo Trucks, bp, NTI, Teletrac Navman, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Mr Munro said the findings reflect an opportunity for collaboration across government and industry to ensure a consistent, fair, and safe pathway for all drivers.

“While this work focused on multicultural drivers, their insights are vital for the safety of all,” he said. “We’re committed to working with our members, governments, and regulators to create a safer, fairer industry where every driver has the chance to build a long-term career.”

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