Transport & Logistics Feb 27, 2026
Spotlight on South Australia’s Transport & Logistics Workforce
Our Industry Engagement Manager for Transport and Logistics, Dale Northeast, recently met with Steve Shearer, Executive Director of the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping South Australia’s transport and logistics workforce.
SARTA plays a critical role in supporting the state’s road transport industry, providing advocacy, compliance support, safety leadership, and workforce development initiatives for operators across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The association works closely with government, industry, and training providers to ensure that operators have a strong voice and the sector continues to grow sustainably and safely.
Key Themes from the Conversation
Our discussion with Steve traversed a broad range of workforce priorities, including:
- Youth entry pathways and VET in Schools
Exploring how young people can gain clearer, safer, and more supported entry points into the industry, particularly through VET in Schools programs that build foundational skills and awareness of transport careers. - Diversity in the workforce
Discussing the importance of attracting a broader talent pool, including women, career changers, and underrepresented groups, to strengthen workforce resilience. - Licensing innovation
Looking at emerging approaches that balance safety, competency-based progression, and faster pathways to heavy vehicle licensing. - Strengthening skills development
A shared commitment to building training systems that keep pace with technology, safety expectations, and the evolving needs of industry.
The themes discussed with SARTA closely connect with several current ISA projects, including:
- Addressing Heavy Vehicle Driver Shortages
Supporting targeted strategies that help industry attract, train, and retain heavy vehicle drivers across Australia. - Skilling Heavy Vehicle Drivers and Licensing Update
Working with jurisdictions and industry stakeholders to streamline licensing, enhance competency frameworks, and support safer, more efficient training pipelines. - Tasmanian Transport & Logistics VET in Schools Pilot
Testing innovative secondary‑school pathways that introduce students to transport careers and provide practical, industry‑aligned skills.
A Hands‑On Highlight
A standout moment from the visit was the chance to jump into the truck driving simulator, a powerful example of how technology is transforming driver training. Experiencing the simulator firsthand showcased how immersive tools can support safer, more engaging training for new entrants and upskill current drivers.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our engagement with industry partners and supporting the important work underway across the transport sector.
