About Us

The Voice of the Transport Industry

With a rich legacy spanning over a century, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is one of Australia’s foremost advocates for the transport industry.

Since 1902, we have tirelessly championed the interests of our members, engaging with all levels of government to bring about regulatory, legislative, and practical advancements for our industry.

Our dedicated team of VTA experts is always at the ready, offering advice and organising impactful training, educational, and networking programs that directly benefit our members.

As the voice of the transport industry, we consistently speak up in general news and trade media, passionately campaigning for our members on issues that impact their operations.

MISSION STATEMENT

To improve the environment upon which the industry operates.

OUR PURPOSE

Through working with our members, industry, statutory bodies and other stakeholders we will communicate, influence and support the outcomes that deliver progress, safety and growth to the freight industry.

THE VTA STRUCTURE

MEMBER SERVICES

The VTA has the experience and expertise to provide valuable information and advice to members in areas affecting their businesses.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

The VTA industrial relations experts and other members work hard to ensure that the processes and communications with our members are consistent and reliable.

ADVISORY

We help the transport industry make informed decisions by collating and analysing large amounts of data and provide them with updated KPI reports.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

The VTA offers a range of training courses to both members and non- members, covering both specific issues for transport and logistics companies and general management courses.

INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

The VTA regularly advocates to governments, regulators and other industry stakeholders from the freight operators’ perspective to achieve practical outcomes.

EVENT MARKETING

We regularly host member forums and events, where our members can network with a broad range of industry peers, as well as with relevant government officials and politicians.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The VTA Executive Council holds a prominent position in the VTA’s  operations. Comprising elected members from freight industry executives, the council advises the CEO and the Secretariat on strategic matters related to public and industry policies, regulatory affairs, and commercial considerations. The council meets regularly to discuss and provide guidance on key issues.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

The VTA CEO is responsible for setting strategic directions for the Association in conjunction with the VTA Executive Council. They provide leadership and oversee the overall operations of the organisation, ensuring its continued growth and success.

SECRETARIAT

The VTA Secretariat plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Council and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Association. Led by the VTA CEO, the Secretariat consists of a dedicated team of both permanent and contract staff committed to driving regulatory, legislative, and practical outcomes for our industry.

WHAT WE DO

The VTA provides six core services to its members and the broader industry it serves:

ADVOCACY

The VTA regularly advocates to governments, regulators and other industry stakeholders from the freight operators’ perspective to achieve practical outcomes.

INDUSTRY REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE

The VTA has the experience and expertise to provide valuable information and advice to members in areas affecting their businesses.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

The VTA industrial relations experts and other members work hard to ensure that the processes and communications with our members are consistent and reliable.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

The VTA offers a range of training courses to both members and non-members, covering both specific issues for transport and logistics companies and general management courses.

INDUSTRY NETWORKING

We regularly host member forums and events, where our members can network with a broad range of industry peers, as well as with relevant government officials and politicians.

INDUSTRY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We help the transport industry make informed decisions by collating and analysing large amounts of data and provide them with updated KPI reports.

VTA TIMELINE: A RICH HISTORY

1902 Founded in Victoria, the association began its journey as the Master Carriers Association. It initially represented hire and reward carriers operating on Melbourne’s waterfronts. During this period, our focus was on lobbying the government and addressing industrial relations issues.

1944 To align with other state-based employer organisations, the association underwent a significant transformation and became the Victorian Road Transport Association. This change allowed us to broaden our scope and cater to the evolving needs of the transport industry.

2001 Recognising that transport encompasses much more than just roads, we embraced a new name – the Victorian Transport Association. This name change symbolised our commitment to acknowledging the diverse aspects of the transport industry and our dedication to representing its broader interests.

2024 Today, as we stand at the forefront of the transport industry, the VTA is committed to embracing progress and leading the way. With an unyielding focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, we will continue to champion the interests of our members and shape   a brighter future for the entire industry.

For information on being a member please call us on 03 9646 8590 or Contact Us.  Or go to the Member Benefits page.