Geoff Crouch has been re-elected as Chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) in an uncontested vote during the association’s annual general meeting in Perth last week. 

The ATA represents the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. 

Mr Crouch was first elected as ATA Chair in 2017, and as the Director of Ron Crouch Transport has a deep understanding of the trucking industry both as an operator and at an association level. 

“I plan to continue the ATA’s existing engagement with all sides of politics and all industry stakeholders to ensure the voice of those we represent is heard loud and clear,” Mr Crouch said. 

“Additionally, I will follow through on our commitment to mental health and wellbeing. We have spoken about this issue for long enough. It is time to take real action,” he said. 

Mr Crouch said he also looks forward to ensuring the ATA continues to contribute to the Heavy Vehicle National Law review. 

“It goes without saying that this review is desperately needed to bring new thinking into how our industry should be regulated. 

“We are confident the result of this collaboration between industry, government and regulators will lead to positive outcomes,” he said. 

The meeting also saw the election of Julie Russell, director of Russell Transport, as a new board member. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Julie as a member of the ATA board. She has extensive experience as a member of the industry, as President of the Queensland Trucking Association and a TruckSafe director,” Mr Crouch said. 

Over the years, Ms Russell has actively worked on numerous committees and boards within the road transport industry and was named National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year in 2015. 

“As we welcome Julie to the board, we farewell longstanding retiring Director Tim Knowles, and thank him for his long service and great contribution to the ATA board,” Mr Crouch said. 

“I am also please to welcome returning directors Andy Divall, David Simon, Simon Skazlic and Geoff Luff, as well as Andrew Garrety, who was re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary,” he said.