Truckies join together in demand for safety

TRUCK drivers have gathered in Hobart to demand safety reforms to “Australia’s deadliest industry” ahead of the federal election.

A small crowd of drivers marched behind a Transport Workers’ Union banner through the Tasmanian capital on Thursday before they were due to convene for the union’s annual national council meeting.

The TWU members gathered outside Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam’s office and left a letter with his staff, outlining their grievances with his and his party’s “opposition” to truck safety reform.

Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally Mcmanus and TWU national secretary Michael Kaine both addressed the small crowd, some of whom waved orange and black union flags, or held placards opposing Scott Morrison.

“What we need is regulation from the federal government to lift the pressures in this industry, so that truckers don’t have to work too long or too fast to make a living for themselves and their families,” Mr Kaine said. “So that they return home safely at the end of the day (and) are not caught up in the carnage.”