The trucking industry’s 2015 elections are underway, with nominations and voter registrations now open.

In the election, owner drivers and the operators of small trucking fleets will elect two representatives to the General Council of the Australian Trucking Association, the peak body representing the industry.

ATA Chair Noelene Watson said the 2015 election was a critical opportunity for owner drivers and small fleet operators to have their say about the industry’s future.

“The ATA Council sets our strategic policy direction. It deals with the critical issues that will determine the industry’s long term future, including safety, professionalism and operator viability,” Mrs Watson said.

“I urge all owner drivers and small fleet operators to register to vote. You can register online through the ATA website, so it only takes a few minutes.

“I also urge owner drivers and small fleet operators who want to help build the industry’s future to nominate for one of the two positions,” she said.

To register to vote, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing 1-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes and be on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.

To become a candidate for the single truck owner driver position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing one truck over 4.5 tonnes and drive it. For the small fleet position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing 2-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes. Candidates must be members of an ATA member organisation.

Nominations and voter registrations close on 10 February 2015. If there are more candidates than vacancies, there will be an election by postal ballot.

The voter registration and nomination forms are available, and operators can register to vote online, through the ATA election webpage.