Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the organisations change the industry association landscape for the better.
The MoU was passed at the ARTSA AGM on 20 February and has also been approved by the HVIA Board.
The MoU will see ARTSA reformat as the ARTSA Institute and offer individual members the opportunity to leverage their skills, experience and acumen on forward thinking heavy vehicle research projects – much like an independent think-tank. In particular, the Institute will continue to operate the ARTSA Data analytics project and this data will help them service the existing customers and any new customers of that service.
The reformation of ARTSA will see it discontinue corporate membership. All existing corporate members of ARTSA will be encouraged to join HVIA, who will continue to offer its broad suite of member services to ensure continuity of representation.
The organisations have many dual members that will see an immediate direct and indirect saving by the rationalisation of member related activities, such as: training, information, events, conferences, advocacy and committee meetings.
It is envisaged that HVIA’s national footprint, structure, governance, advocacy and resources can complement the passion, enthusiasm and technical expertise of ARTSA members and HVIA’s existing work program and technical advocacy will be strengthened.
“The industry has been calling for consolidation for some time but it’s not easy to implement, this is a massive benefit for the industry and the HVIA Board and ARTSA Executive should be applauded for taking bold action in the best interests of the industry," said HVIA CEO, Todd Hacking.
“ARTSA members knew we had to change," said ARTSA Chair, Martin Toomey. "This decision allows the new ARTSA Institute to focus our efforts on research and continue to make a strong contribution to the broader industry by tackling the tough issues that have often been overlooked due to the pressures of the day to day running of the association."
HVIA President, John Drake, has been on the working committee to implement this change.
"This change is a win, win, win," he said. "HVIA’s technical and regulatory services will be boosted, the industry wins by saving time and money and providing a single advocacy voice will make it easier for government, the regulator and key stakeholders. It also delivers a much needed research capacity for the heavy vehicle sector."
As part of the agreement, ARTSA will provide its existing technical collateral to HVIA so that members can continue to access it.
The two organisations have also agreed to continue to work together collaboratively in the best interests of the heavy vehicle industry.
