File photo.
Transport Workers’ Union national secretary Tony Sheldon said a recent court decision relating to the truck crash that killed two Western Australian men in 2011 serves as a reminder that road safety is more than red tape and urged the Coalition to abandon plans to abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT).
“The deaths of David Tagliaferri and Albert de Beer, were a tragedy for their families and the Western Australia community,” said Mr Sheldon.
“Their widows, Lystra and Susanne have been champions for Safe Rates, speaking out about the need to hold major clients like Coles to account for safety throughout their supply chain.
“The RSRT was partly born from Lystra, Susanne and their families strength to fight to prevent this tragedy from happening again, during the most difficult time of their lives.
“This court decision is another reminder that the voices of these men’s families, and those families of many more truck drivers and truck crash victims, should not be ignored.”
In February 2011 Albert de Beer, stopped by the side of Old Cost Road near Myalup, WA to help a perfect stranger, David Tagliaferri, change a flat tyre. After more than 13 hours behind the wheel, Mr Kershaw’s prime mover drifted off the side of the road, killing both men.
Last Friday (23.05.14), the Western Australia Court of Appeal denied Mr Kershaw’s appeal to reduce his five-year jail sentence.
In November 2013, while speaking in defence of the RSRT, Lystra Tagliaferri highlighted the need to hold major transport clients like Coles to account.
“I don’t blame the driver. And I think he’s paid for what he’s done. The big companies, they really run the show,” said Mrs Tagliaferri.
“The government, led by Senator Eric Abetz, has put a target on the back of the RSRT, marking it as red tape for ready for the chop in the ‘Parliamentary Repeal Day’,” said Mr Sheldon.
“This decision reminds us that the RSRT is not red tape, it’s about road safety.
“Saving lives is not red tape and the TWU urges Senator Abetz and the Government to change their position and support the continued work of the RSRT.”
