Australia endorses new national livestock transport training

Australian skills ministers have officially endorsed the TLISS00242 Livestock Transport Driver Skill Set. Developed by Industry Skills Australia (ISA) in collaboration with the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and various state partners, the program establishes a nationally recognized training pathway for livestock truck drivers.

The skillset consolidates essential competencies into a single training product designed for both new and experienced operators. It covers four key units: basic livestock handling, animal care during transit, low-risk heavy vehicle driving behaviors, and work health and safety procedures.

With over 14.9 million tonnes of livestock moved across Australia annually, the initiative aims to address gaps in training accessibility and ensure industry best practices. The program is intended to improve animal welfare, enhance driver confidence, and provide a consistent benchmark for the sector. Industry Skills Australia is planning a second phase to support implementation, which may include developing new assessment resources and building capacity among registered training organizations.