The 2025 Road Freight NSW Conference and Awards in Sydney opened with a powerful address from Chairman Austin Vella, who highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the freight and transport industry.
Speaking to a packed audience, Vella acknowledged the ongoing pressures businesses are under, pointing to rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing insurance and workers’ compensation claims as critical issues that demand urgent attention.
“The transport, postal and warehousing sector accounts for over 60% of serious injury claims and three quarters of all workplace fatalities in Australia,” Vella said, noting that mental health-related claims are also on the rise, costing on average $65,000 per claim and resulting in 27 weeks lost per worker.
On workforce challenges, he painted a sobering picture: nearly half of the truck driver workforce is already over 55, and more than 20% could exit the industry by 2029. At the same time, wages and superannuation costs are increasing, leaving many small and medium operators struggling to remain viable.
“Despite these challenges, the industry continues to show its hallmark resilience. Freight keeps moving, and communities continue to be supported. This does not happen by accident. It happens because people in this room and thousands like us turn up every day, solving problems, making tough decisions and keeping this country going,” he said.
Vella also noted that there are reasons for optimism. With interest rates slowly falling and consumer confidence showing signs of recovery, demand for freight could lift in the coming months. Conferences such as Road Freight NSW, he added, play a critical role in bringing the industry together to share ideas, strengthen networks, and find solutions.
“While the road ahead may not be without its bumps, I remain optimistic. We have weathered through tough times before. We will do so again—stronger, more united, and more focused,” Vella concluded.
The opening address set the tone for a day of discussions on the future of the road freight industry, covering issues such as safety, sustainability, technology, and the policy environment.
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