VACC at Freight Week

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Aug 11, 2011: VACC, joint host of Freight 2011, is the peak automotive industry body in Victoria, with more than 5,500 members, employing approximately 50,000 employees. VACC is a long-term partner of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA). Together both associations organise Freight Week.

“VACC is proud to co-host Freight Week and we commend VTA CEO, Phil Lovel, and his team, for organising another action packed event,” VACC Executive Director David Purchase said.

“Many people may not realise just how much the automotive industry has in common with the freight industry, but if you think about it, we are both interested in vehicle safety, road sharing, repair and service information, skills and training and lobbying on behalf of members,” Mr Purchase said.

VACC is involved in all five days of Freight Week, starting on People Day (Monday 5 September) with a Workshop on Heavy Vehicle Qualifications. This will attract interest from the freight community as well as from VACC’s Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA), Commercial Vehicle Body Manufacturers Association (CVBMA) and Farm and Industry Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA).

Other VACC activities during Freight Week include presentations on Green Stamp Plus, changes to the OH&S laws to the National model, the Guide to Safe Work Related Driving and Heavy Vehicle Towing.

But it is on Technology Day (Tuesday 6 September) that VACC will come to the fore as it tackles one of the biggest issues facing the automotive industry.

The ‘Vehicle Service and Repair Information’ Conference will address access to technical, diagnostic, service and repair information. It is an issue that has divided the automotive industry and such is its importance that only recently the Federal Government announced it was delaying a major Inquiry on the subject in order to hear from speakers at the Conference.

The Hon Louise Asher, Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business will formally open the Conference and 3AW radio personality, David Mann, will moderate the event at the Melbourne Park Function Centre (home of the Australian Open Tennis).

“VACC’s Conference is one of many important industry discussions occurring at Freight Week from 5 to 9 September. We are looking forward to the event and to helping shape future policies,” Mr Purchase said.