RFNSW 2023 Conference & Awards Agenda

9.00am | RFNSW CEO Address, Simon O’Hara
9.15am | RFNSW Chair Address, Austin Vella

9.25am | Keynote Address Special Guest

9.45am | Voice of the operator
Ann Lopez, Lopez Bros Transport | Sally Tipping, Tipping’s Transport
John Preston, Alliance Transport | Scott Hannah, Hannah’s Haulage
These four industry leaders fully understand the unique challenges that operators face and are a voice for all NSW operators. In this panel session, they will explore what steps government and business stakeholders could take to shape the future of the industry making it safe, efficient and prosperous - benefiting all Australians.

10.25am | Ministerial Address
The Hon. John Graham | Deputy Leader of the Opposition

10:45am | Ministerial Address
The Hon. Jenny Aitchison | Shadow Minister for Rural & Regional Roads

11:05am | Business Break

11.45am | The future of fuel
Alex Davis Manager AsPac Low Carbon bp
Alex will discuss how the energy transition in Australia is shaping the decarbonisation of the heavy transport sector, some of the challenges ahead, and how bp is positioning itself to develop low carbon offers for the sector.

12:05 | The highest cost of injury
Tony Pimpinella, Injury Prevention Specialist iCare
Body stressing is the most common cause - and the highest cost - of injury in the freight industry. Approximately 33 per cent of all serious injuries and claims are a direct result of muscular stress. Are you confident that you have the right controls in place to prevent these injuries?

12:25pm | Suitcase

Amar Singh 2023 Local Australian of the year
Founder Turbans 4 Australia
Amar would like to acknowledge the contributions of the transport sector to Australian society and to his charity, Turbans 4 Australia. Amar is also keen to weigh into the debate about better rest areas for truckies and is proposing a trial in the eastern states for rest areas with exercise machines, community gardens, a veggie patch, and places where drivers can take their eyes off the bitumen. A rest stop where drivers would look forward to stopping - not just pulling over to stare at an empty paddock.

12:45pm | NSW Transition Update
Paul Salvati, Chief Operations Officer, NHVR
Over the past few years, NHVR has been working closely with states and territories on the transition process. The goal is a more streamlined approach to service delivery, compliance and enforcement and more consistency in how heavy vehicles are regulated. Paul will provide delegates with an update on the NSW transition.

1:05pm | Networking Lunch & Partners’ Expo

2:05pm | RFNSW 2023 Awards
Followed by Auction with Ian Pendred

3.05pm | Ministerial Address
The Hon. Sam Farraway | Minister for Regional Roads

3.30pm | What do recent IR changes mean for your business?
Brent Ferguson, Director Workplace Relations Policy & Advocacy, Ai Group
Brent will discuss the tranche of IR reforms, some of the key challenges for the road freight sector and how to prepare.

3:50pm | Safe, productive and sustainable freight in NSW
Scott Greenow, Acting Executive Director Freight Transport for NSW
Safety, productivity and sustainability are not mutually exclusive goals when it comes to enabling the movement of freight in NSW. Scott Greenow will share how Transport for NSW is working closely with industry to achieve all three, across its priority areas of work.

4.15pm | Closing Remarks
 

4.30pm-5.30pm Networking Drinks

Cockle Bay Wharf