Crackdown on Non-Compliance a Step Forward — But More Must Be Done to Fix an Unsafe Transport System

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) welcomes the announcement by the Cook Labor Government to invest $339.9 million into road infrastructure and compliance enforcement to improve safety on WA roads and to crack down on exploited workers driving with the wrong licences.

This is an important step in addressing serious and growing safety risks in one of the nation’s deadliest industries.

Heavy vehicles are involved in 15-18% of road fatalities, despite making up just 2-3% of registered vehicles. At the same time, truck drivers are often not at fault, pointing to deeper, systemic failures within compliance that must be addressed.

The TWU has long called for coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement that targets the root causes of unsafe practices, including exploitation, poor training, and operators cutting corners to stay competitive.

Today’s announcement of a heavy vehicle compliance blitz across regional WA led by Main Roads reflects the need to:

• Crack down on unlicensed and underqualified drivers being put behind the wheel without proper training or assessment

• Ensure dangerous goods, fatigue and load restraint laws are properly enforced

• Hold companies accountable for breaches across the supply chain

• Comply with the WA heavy vehicle accreditation system 

TWU State Secretary Tim Dawson said the announcement sends a clear message to company’s willing to break the law.

“Too many drivers are being set up to fail by a system that allows unsafe operators to cut costs at the expense of safety,” Mr. Dawson said. 

“When workers are exploited and put behind the wheel without the correct licences or training, it’s not just a workplace issue, it’s a public safety issue.”

“This crackdown is welcome, but enforcement alone won’t fix the problem. We need to lift standards across the entire industry, including driving training and assessment of foreign drivers.”

“I commend the government for their commitment to improving compliance on our roads, especially for heavy vehicle truck drivers in regional WA.”

“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, and the TWU will continue to advocate for safer roads that provide more passing lanes for truck drivers on highways, improved rest stop areas for driver fatigue breaks, and regular compliance checks to ensure companies are operating safely and within the law.”

Drivers continue to face long hours, fatigue, isolation and increasing mental health pressures, all of which directly impact safety outcomes on the road.

“Safer roads depend on a safer system,” Mr. Dawson said. 

“And that means enforcement, standards and conditions all working together.”