Concerned Families of Australian Truckies
We need your help: CFAT Membership drive
To find out how you can join the CFAT campaign for a safer workplace email your TWU here or phone the Contact Centre on (02) 9912 0700
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What is CFAT?
CFAT was formed in 1999 by a group of truckie’s partners who felt the concerns and difficulties facing truck drivers and their families were not being heard.
Members, participants and supporters of CFAT feel that the pressure and demands on drivers, and the transport industry as a whole, are out of control. We are concerned that the difficulties families are facing are just being ignored.
“The hardest thing about being a truckie’s wife is the constant worry while their away. You hold your breath every time an accident is reported on the news, you wait desperately to se the colour of the truck involved. This happens every day,” Mrs Penton revealed.
“I’ve had wives approach me with all sorts of heart wrenching stories. Those that have lost their husbands on the road, or those hose husbands have had to deal with the memories of horrific accidents”.
“Driving takes its toll on everyone. Kids suffer because they never see their father; he misses all those special events”.
Mrs Penton stresses that these problems are not isolated and are the unseen side of life on the road. “Many in the media and general public are quick o condemn truckies, what they don’t understand is the enormous toll that professional driving takes on life on a family. Truckie’s are not to blame for dangerous driving hours, it is the bosses ho push them to the limit on the threat of being sacked.”
CFAT is a coalition of concerned family members across the state who are committed to raising the profile of truckies and fighting for better safety on the road.
“we really just want to see our husbands, sons and brothers come home alive for the rest of their working lives. I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request,” Mrs Penton said.
CFAT supports the proposed changes for the transport industry.
“Companies must take responsibility for and recognize the physical pressures and legal constraints on drivers and protect fair rates and safe working conditions for drivers and their families. Clients must also be fully accountable for the freight they are putting on our roads and the impossible schedules they impose,” said Mrs Penton.
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PROTECTING AUSSIE JOBS 
