Livestock Associations respond to proposals to change Horse Transport standards

Seems to be a classic case of putting the cart before the horse.

At the outset I want to stress that these comments are not directed at any particular race. I know that will be the first claim. These comments apply to any driver regardless of where they were born. As an industry we desperately need drivers from countries with similar transport regimes to our own. Ironically, we have examples of competent international drivers being unable to obtain MC licences within a reasonable period of time because of an inflexible system and at the same time we have a perverse situation where some drivers are on the road who most of us think should not be.

Is it too much to ask that our drivers understand the culture on the road, have driving skills that go beyond steering a vehicle and can communicate competently with other drivers and authorities?

This problem has been building for some time and has gradually worsened along with the driver shortage as people who would not have been employed in the past, are now seen as the only option – the option of last resort and perhaps even a cheaper option. It is also not just a problem experienced in Western Australia, as the same issue is mentioned in national meetings, with the same level of frustration being expressed.

There is a pressing moral dilemma here. How can we as industry leaders and government allow this situation to continue simply because there is a fear of public backlash. We all must accept a level of responsibility for every incident, near miss or serious accident that is due to an incompetent driver because we all know what the problem is and yet seem unable to deal with it.

It is true that governments are the only ones who can confront this issue headon, but they need to know they have the support of industry when they do. I for one am happy to line up beside them when, and if, that day comes.

The recent national review of the heavy vehicle driver competency framework has made a number of recommendations with regard to competencies and supervision of training bodies. Not all those recommendations will make the difference we are seeking and that is a discussion for another time, however there is a recognition that the driver training regime and subsequent licensing, needs reform.

Be that as it may, we have the ability at our disposal now to intervene and make sure that only competent drivers are on the road. Unfortunately the urgency of this issue is not being grasped. It would be a tragic outcome if the only way it is brought to a head is through the legal system with a bereaved family pressing the point.

Before the Challenger space shuttle blew

up 37 years ago, engineers were pleading with NASA to delay the launch because they knew the rubber seals on the booster rockets would not seal in the temperatures during the launch. NASA ignored the pleas. All seven crew were killed in the disaster. The lead engineer lived with the guilt his entire life taking responsibility for the loss of life.

We know there is a problem on our roads with incompetent heavy vehicle drivers and we need to avoid a Challenger disaster of our own making.

The ALRTA has lodged a submission in response to a consultation regulation impact statement proposing changes to horse transport standards. The proposals were recently considered by their National Driver and Animal Welfare Committee.

ALRTA’s submission is supportive of targeted changes to the horse standards. This will mean new legislation and new or modified rules specified in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock 2012 as it applies to horses.

Specifically, the ALRTA support new standards requiring: • a written record of last access to water; • a transporter to manage welfare risks and take corrective actions due to heat stress; • horses with poor body conditions score (0 or 1) not to be transported without vet advice; • foals with unhealed umbilical stumps not to be transported except to foster mares; • transporters to ensure horses have sufficient space to maintain a comfortable standing position and balance (instead of adhering to loading density tables); • a prohibition on transporting horses in multi-deck trailers (except where only the lower deck is used and there is sufficient vertical clearance); • a prohibition on transporting mixed loads of handled and unhandled horses; and • removal of hind shoes where horses are travelling to slaughter.

The ALRTA has strongly opposed a proposal to move from a 24 hour time off water limit to a 12 hour journey time limit. This proposal is inconsistent with standards for all other species and introduces unacceptable operational / regulatory risks. They have however supported a reduction in the time off water limit to 15 hours to align with BFM fatigue rules.

In Western Australia, the LRTAWA will be talking directly with Horse Transporters in our state to find out their thoughts on the proposed changes – in order to lobby for them. If you would like to be involved, please email Chief Executive Officer Jan Cooper at jan@lrtawa.org.au with your contact details.

A decision regulatory impact statement on the refined proposal is expected to be released in 2023.