SPEAKERS
Sharon Middleton AM
Whiteline Transport (Aust) PL
SARTA
Sharon is Managing Director of Whiteline Transport, controlling the overall day-to-day operations of the East West Specialists, in addition to managing the other entities in the Whiteline Group. Sharon has significant driving experience of b doubles and road trains between Melbourne and Perth. Sharon has been the President of the South Australian Road Transport Association since 2011 having joined their Board in 2002, an Australian Trucking Association Board Member since 2016 and ATA General Council Member since 2011. She was awarded SA Contribution to Transport 2011, SARTA Life Membership 2022, 2013 National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year, Inducted into the Hall of Fame Alice Springs 2014, then in 2019 as an Icon. In 2019 Sharon was awarded the Order of Australia Medal and as Co-Founder of Foundation Shine has raised considerable funds for Mental Ill Health.
Steve Shearer
SARTA
Steve Shearer is the Executive Officer of the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), a position he has held since 1994. In this role, Steve represents and advocates for the state’s road transport industry, engaging with government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to promote practical solutions for safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. With extensive experience in policy, regulation, and industry leadership, he is committed to supporting transport operators and advancing the long-term sustainability of the sector. Steve’s work ensures that South Australia’s road transport industry remains competitive, safe, and well-connected.
Leisa Goddard
Adoni Media
Leisa Goddard is the Founder and Managing Director of Adoni Media and one of Australia’s most experienced media professionals, with more than 30 years’ experience in journalism, public relations and strategic communications.
A former foreign correspondent, war correspondent and Network Ten U.S. Bureau Chief, Leisa has worked across all three Australian commercial television networks and is a Logie-nominated journalist. Today, she advises business and industry leaders on media strategy, crisis communications, reputation management and media training, drawing on decades of frontline newsroom experience.
Chris Kummerow
Andrew Wells Chambers
Chris Kummerow is a barrister at Andrew Wells Chambers with extensive experience in regulatory and criminal law, including heavy vehicle and work health and safety law.
Prior to joining the Bar, Chris served as Director of Prosecutions for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), giving him significant firsthand experience in the investigation and prosecution of offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Chris now acts for both prosecuting agencies and defendants in regulatory matters and brings a practical understanding of the HVNL, Chain of Responsibility obligations, compliance, investigations and enforcement. His experience provides a valuable perspective on how heavy vehicle laws operate in practice and the implications for transport operators and other parties in the supply chain.
Oliver Fragnito
KJK Legal
Oliver Fragnito is a lawyer with KJK Legal, advising and representing clients across regulatory, compliance and commercial matters.
Oliver has particular experience working with businesses operating in highly regulated environments, providing practical advice on legal obligations, risk management, compliance and enforcement. His approach focuses on helping clients understand how regulatory requirements apply in practice and how businesses can effectively manage their legal and operational risks.
At the SARTA Conference, Oliver will bring a practical legal perspective to the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility, helping operators understand their obligations and the implications of the regulatory framework for day-to-day transport operations.
Sophie Hyde
NHVR
Sophie joined the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in 2022 as a Policy Advisor for the Standards and Advice Team and has since been responsible for overseeing the development of several pieces of educational material for the heavy vehicle industry.
Sophie has a background in law and works predominantly to develop guidance for the heavy vehicle industry to improve safety and assist parties in the Chain of Responsibility to understand their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Sophie spent 18 months working closely with the livestock industry to develop the Livestock Regulatory Advice to help improve livestock transport safety.
Jane Naughtin is a policy professional at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, specialising in Chain of Responsibility and industry codes of practice. She has worked across a number of regulatory and policy agencies, with experience in road safety, transport regulation, and the HVNL since its inception. Jane played a key role in the development and implementation of the Master Code, and is passionate about working with industry to help them to understand their safety obligations.
Jane Naughtin
NHVR
Tim Brown
NHVR
With 28 years of experience in heavy vehicle compliance and reform, Tim made the transition from the automotive industry to join the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority in 1996 as a Vehicle Inspector.
After 10 years working at the roadside, in 2006 Tim ventured into education, becoming a prominent figure in compliance training and specialising in load restraint.
Tim’s experience has included working in both metropolitan and regional locations, enhancing his understanding of road safety and the challenges industry experience.
As a Senior Policy Officer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Tim is committed to sharing critical safety and compliance knowledge with the heavy vehicle industry.
His work involves shaping standards, developing educational material for industry and enhancing and influencing heavy vehicle safety on a national scale.
Krisha Hunt
AP Psychology & Consulting Sercvices
Krisha Hunt is a psychologist with AP Psychology & Consulting Services, with experience supporting individuals and organisations in managing mental health, wellbeing and the psychological challenges that can arise in the workplace.
Krisha takes a practical, down-to-earth approach to mental health, helping people recognise the signs that someone may be struggling and understand how to respond and provide appropriate support. At the SARTA Conference, she will bring this perspective to the unique pressures faced by people working in the road transport industry, with a focus on practical strategies that can make a meaningful difference in the workplace and beyond.
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