This paper outlines some work currently being undertaken by the Victorian Department of Transport, as part of developing a strategy to enhance workforce capability in the road freight sector in Victoria. Actions and recommendations being developed for consideration by Government seem likely to fall into four priority areas, and implementing these will require the support of government, industry or both in collaboration. This paper discusses why skills shortages in transport and logistics are important, what skills shortages exist or appear to be emerging, and why governments have a legitimate role to play in assisting the industry to address such challenges. Reasons for skills shortages in the road freight sector are briefly explored, and responses being taken to address workforce capability more broadly are also outlined. Some of the complexities of developing and implementing a strategy of this kind include the cross-portfolio nature of the issues to be addressed and the importance of securing engagement and buy-in from a traditional industry. (a) For the covering record of the conference, please refer to ITRD abstract no. E218380.
Abstract