The election of David Smith to the Chair of the Australian Trucking Association means there is a new man at the ATA, after the three year term as Chair of Geoff Crouch.
The ATA’s AGM elected South Australian trucking operator David Smith, Managing Director of D&S Smith Haulage to oversee the trucking industry’s peak organisation. He has worked in the transport industry for more than 40 years as a driver, business owner and industry leader through his involvement in associations and committees.
The new man at the ATA is currently President of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of South Australia, and former President of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association. He has been a member of the ATA board since 2016.
“I thank my predecessor, Geoff Crouch, for his leadership and advancement of the ATA agenda during his three-year term, as well as the ATA board and council for their support,” said David. “As new chair of the ATA, I look forward to working with our members and industry as we work collaboratively to improve trucking’s safety, professionalism and viability.”
Two new directors were elected to the ATA board, Scott Davidson and Craig Smith-Gander.
Scott Davidson is the Managing Director of QMC Logistics, and Chairman of NatRoad, having joined the board in 2014. Scott says he is focused on ensuring the ATA gives voice to operators large and small as they strive to achieve safe, productive and profitable outcomes for their enterprises.
Craig Smith-Gander is the owner of Kwik Transport and Crane Hire, based in Perth. Craig purchased the company in 2005, after working in corporate finance, stockbroking, project management and as an army officer. Craig is the Chair of ATA member association Western Roads Federation and president of Surf Lifesaving Western Australia.
Former ATA Chair Geoff Crouch, will remain a member of the ATA board and its council.
The meeting also saw the retirement from the ATA board of Kathy Williams and Geoff Luff.
Kathy led the development of the ATA’s national headquarters building in Canberra and played a critical role in saving the on-road diesel grant, now fuel tax credits. Under her guidance, the ATA’ s safety accreditation program, TruckSafe, was developed into an individual entity.
Geoff Luff joined the ATA board in 2017 and is a passionate advocate for improving safety and productivity. He is a director of Border Express, a third-generation national transport and distribution services company.
