Celebrating Diversity in Transport and Logistics

Camilla Elmes, Senior Engagement Manager, represented ISA at the Celebrating Diversity in Transport and Logistics breakfast event hosted by the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) in Brisbane last week.

Held as part of QTA’s popular annual event series, the breakfast centred on the theme “Strength in Differences – Diverse minds, better moves”, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders to reflect on the value of diversity in building stronger, more innovative transport and logistics workforces.

Attendees heard from Samantha Carlton, General Manager, People Operations at Virgin Australia and a member of ISA’s Aviation Strategic Workforce Planning Committee, who shared her lived experience and practical insights into supporting and enabling a diverse workforce. 

A panel session featuring Samantha and Julia Bunn, founder and General Manager of Easec, explored how employers can create inclusive, safe, and supportive workplace environments where employees can thrive and businesses can flourish. The discussion highlighted the importance of leadership, workplace culture, and practical, people‑focused actions in driving meaningful and lasting change across the sector.

The themes explored at the event closely align with ISA’s program of work and the 2025 Transport and Logistics Workforce Plan, which highlights the need to increase participation among underrepresented cohorts and address barriers to entry and progression. In response, ISA is delivering the Increasing Diversity Across the Transport Supply Chain Project, which builds an understanding of the current diversity and inclusion landscape to address skills shortages and inform scalable solutions. By analysing workforce data, reviewing existing initiatives, and identifying gaps, the project will deliver practical recommendations to support a more inclusive and future‑focused workforce.

The project begins with Phase 1, an environmental scan to build a clearer understanding of current diversity and inclusion practices, with insights informing future actions, scalable solutions, and resources to support greater participation across the industry.

ISA congratulates the Queensland Trucking Association on delivering an insightful and successful event that continues to drive important conversations and collaboration across the transport and logistics sector.

Learn more about ISA’s Increasing Diversity across the Transport Supply Chain Project and how industry can get involved.