Thriving in extraordinary times

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking has written to members reflecting on 2020-21 and outlining HVIA’s year ahead.

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Dear Members

I want to thank you for your loyal and ongoing support. 

It is extremely pleasing to see that 2020/21 saw our largest membership growth to date, as this is the ultimate sign that HVIA’s work is gaining prominence, is valued, and our results appreciated by the broader industry.

Even though we report annually, this year HVIA implemented a new, ambitious Strategic Plan for the next 5 years, to ensure we are well prepared to enter our next exciting phase of growth.  

Overwhelmingly the past twelve months has been dominated by COVID-19 and the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show (BTS21). 

Some may call it luck, others fortitude, but it was an incredible experience to feel the buzz at BTS21.  

Over 30,000 attendees came together, signaling its vital importance as Australia’s premier on-road transport business and networking event.

BTS21 was vital to reconnect the industry, lift morale, and ensure the industry continues its momentum.

This year our major policy win came through the increase and extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off, and then its further extension by way of Immediate Full Expensing, now providing financial incentives out to June 2023.

Announcing the detail, the Treasurer, Hon Josh Frydenberg MP credited HVIA in Question Time, saying that the initiative “will enable trucking businesses to invest in safer equipment and support the industry’s suppliers”.

HVIA has also played an important role in representing our members as we are about to embark on a new regulatory framework through the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA). 

By hosting representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, 95 HVIA members were able to access information and have questions answered as the 1 July 2021 ‘go-live’ date nears.

HVIA is currently working to resolve the Performance Based Standards (PBS) approvals crisis with the NHVR.  

HVIA is confident that our advocacy will lead to a more streamlined, workable system, albeit acknowledging the frustration of the current, ongoing delays.

We were also proud to launch our first online heavy vehicle learning course, which provides a practical, dynamic, interactive introduction to our industry.  

We see HV101 as an amazing opportunity to educate and inform industry personnel in an efficient way and we are delighted to see it has already become a standard part of many members’ new-starter induction process. 

I welcome your direct feedback at any time.

Kind Regards

Todd Hacking
HVIA Chief Executive