Owner drivers and the operators of small trucking fleets will go to the polls in early 2013 to elect two representatives on the General Council of the Australian Trucking Association.

Nominations and voter registration will open on 14 January 2013 and close on 11 February 2013.

The Chairman of the ATA, David Simon, said the 2013 election was a crucial opportunity for owner drivers and small fleet operators to have their say about the future of the trucking industry.

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

“To register to vote in the election, you must own, be purchasing or leasing 1-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes and be on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll. You can vote for both representatives or just one.

“For the first time in an ATA election, you’ll be able to register to vote online through the ATA website. As a result, participating in this election will be easier than ever before.

“To nominate for one of the positions, you must be a member of an ATA member organisation and must be registered to vote in the election.

“For the category one (single truck owner driver) position, you must own, be purchasing or leasing one truck over 4.5 tonnes and drive it.

“For the category two (small fleet) position, you must own, be purchasing or leasing 2-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes.

“I urge all owner drivers and small fleet operators to register to vote. 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.

“By becoming actively involved in the ATA through this election, or through any one of our member associations, operators can have real influence on the future of our industry,” Mr Simon said.
 

ATA OWNER DRIVER AND SMALL FLEET OPERATOR ELECTIONS FACT SHEET

What is the election for?

The ATA’s policy direction is set by its General Council, which includes two representatives elected by owner drivers and small fleet operators. These members hold office for two years.


What do the positions involve?

The owner driver and small fleet members are entitled to attend and vote at ATA Council meetings, which are held about four times a year, generally in Canberra. Each meeting lasts a full day. The ATA meets their agreed accommodation and travel expenses for Council business.

The members can also join in the work of the ATA’s policy committees. These committees meet regularly by teleconference to discuss policy issues in detail.


How can I register to vote?

To register to vote, you must be:

• a person (including directors and/or shareholders of a company and trustees and beneficiaries of a trust) who owns, is purchasing or leasing 1-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes; and
• on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.

You do not have to be a member of an ATA member organisation. Registering to vote is free. You can choose to register to vote for both representatives or just one.

Voter registration will open on 14 January 2013 and will close on 11 February 2013.

You will be able to register online or download a voter registration form at www.truck.net.au on 14 January 2013. You will be able to get a copy of the form in the mail by phoning 02 6253 6900.


How can I nominate for one of the positions?

To nominate for the category one (owner driver) position, you must be:

• a person (including directors and/or shareholders of a company and trustees and beneficiaries of a trust) who owns, is purchasing or leasing one truck over 4.5 tonnes and drives it;
• registered as a voter for the election; and
• a member of an ATA member organisation. You can find the full list of ATA member organisations at www.truck.net.au.

To nominate for the category two (small fleet) position, you must be

• a person (including directors and/or shareholders of a company and trustees and beneficiaries of a trust) who owns, is purchasing or leasing 2-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes;
• registered as a voter for the election; and
• a member of an ATA member organisation.

You can only nominate for one position. The nomination fee is $70 (inc GST). Candidates can, if they wish, submit a candidate statement of up to 500 words that will be circulated to voters with the ballot papers.

Nominations for the election will open on 14 January 2013 and will close on 11 February 2013.

You will be able to download the nomination form at www.truck.net.au on 14 January 2013. You will be able to get a copy in the mail by phoning 02 6253 6900.


How will the election be conducted?

If there are more candidates than vacancies, the ACT Electoral Commission will conduct an election by postal ballot, under a special agreement with the ATA.


What is the election timetable?