Victorian Transport Association CEO, Peter Anderson, has called for a renewed focus on regulation, workforce development and technology adoption to support productivity.
He presented at TechDrive Melbourne which was held in Seaworks, Williamstown, Victoria on 22 October 2025.
Anderson praised WHG Telematics’ event as a showcase of innovation but warned that policy and regulation were failing to keep pace.
“Technology in our industry has moved at an incredible rate,” said Anderson.
“What we’re seeing today is fantastic innovation, but it’s been driven by operators and suppliers, not by government.
“The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) hasn’t kept up, and the latest review still doesn’t even reference technology. That’s unacceptable in 2025.”
Anderson said that while technology had delivered major gains in efficiency and safety, operators continued to struggle with outdated regulation and rising costs.
“The good guys are here today,” he said. “But we’re still fighting against those who ignore regulation altogether. We need fair competition, proper enforcement and a system that rewards professionalism.”
Anderson also emphasised that while automation and data would shape the next decade, people remained the most valuable part of the supply chain.
“You can’t deliver freight from a computer,” he said. “Our people are our hardest and most important resource. We need to make sure they’re supported, paid fairly and trained properly.”
He warned that unfair contracting and gig economy models were undermining the industry.
“We’ve lost 178 transport businesses to insolvency in the past year,” said Anderson. “Rising costs, underpayment and sham contracting are driving good operators out of business. We need government agencies working together to make sure everyone’s playing by the rules.”
On workforce development, Anderson again called for an overhaul of heavy vehicle licensing and training systems, describing them as outdated and ineffective.
“At the moment, five hours of training and a thousand dollars can get you a truck licence, that’s not good enough,” he said. “We’ve been calling for reform since 1996. We need a structured, skill-based system that prepares people properly and attracts younger drivers into the industry.”
Anderson said the industry had a strong story to tell to the next generation.
“Imagine finishing school and walking into a job that pays $60,000 to $80,000 in your first year, with a pathway to home ownership and a solid career,” he said. “That’s the opportunity our industry offers – if we can get people through the door.”
Looking ahead, Anderson said population growth, changing energy systems and increasing congestion would demand smarter supply chain management.
“We won’t move freight in the same way we do today,” he said. “As we transition to new energy sources, supply chains will change. And we can’t build our way out of congestion. We need better planning and smarter systems to keep freight moving efficiently.”
Anderson reminded delegates of the essential role of the road transport sector: “Ships, trains and planes carry freight, but only trucks deliver.”
In other news, the VTA has announced the provisional program for its upcoming Alternative Fuel Summit.
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