| This week, I met with the New South Wales Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, to discuss the great deal of challenges our members face on our roads – particularly in regional areas. We know that Transport continues to be the most dangerous industry in Australia. Minister Aitchison has invited TWU Members to have a say on the Regional Strategic Integrated Transport Plan – a process that TWU leadership and policy experts played a critical role in developing. More on this programme below. |
This has also been another busy week for the union at large. We’ve seen lots of developments across the industry – with Qantas pilots filing for protected action, Mondiale members standing firm and keeping up theirs, and many workers across the state working to get better pay and conditions for their fellow workers.
Many of you may have seen these efforts on our social media. If you haven’t, follow us at TWU NSW on Facebook, and @twu.nsw on Instagram. We frequently post updates from yards, actions, training initiatives, and ways that you can get involved on our feed and our daily story.
I hope you all have an enjoyable long weekend. For those of you on the roads, remember that no matter what, your safety comes first.
Shaping Regional Transport Policy
In 2024, the Transport Workers’ Union made a submission to the NSW Government’s Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans (SRITPs) consultation.
In the submission, the union’s dedicated Research Official made numerous observations and recommendations, including to emphasise the need for Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas for truck drivers, the need for frequent road assessment and maintenance, and ensuring transport workers have access to amenity across the state.
This week, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, a TWU Member, invited State Secretary Richard Olsen to Parliament to discuss the launch of the SRIPs for different parts of regional NSW, and invite public consultation and feedback.
This is an opportunity for Transport Workers, who are at the frontline of our industry – and for many of whom the roads are their workplace, to have a say on how the future of regional transport unfolds.
Members can learn more about the proposed programme here, at: Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans | Have Your Say
To get in touch, write to engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au
State Secretary Richard Olsen says, “I’m pleased that the NSW Government has engaged seriously with the union on regional transport strategy, both with our submission last year and by soliciting feedback and advice now. It was a pleasure as always to meet up with Jenny, and I look forward to working with her to get better outcomes for transport workers and road users in the months and years ahead.”
2025 National Council
Recently, TWU NSW State Leadership went to Brisbane to take part in the 2025 TWU National Council.
NSW Members, including State Secretary Richard Olsen, played a crucial role in setting strategy for the year ahead, as well as taking part in the action against Swissport at Brisbane Airport.
To see the resolutions for the next big fights, and other outcomes from the National Council meeting, see the 2025 Newsletter here: NC2025 Member Update
State Secretary Richard Olsen says, “The recent National Council was a big success. We honoured longtime NSW Delegate Margaret Harvey, we took action against Swissport, and we put the entire industry on notice with a front-page story about the fight for 2026. As we move towards ’26, it’s important that we stay focused and ready to stand-up, together.”