Transport workers across the state will long remember the work of local Willaston resident Ian Smith, who departs the Transport Workers’ Union after 15 years of service.

Mr Smith’s leadership was crucial to historic achievements in the transport industry, including representing the State in negotiations for Australia’s first National Enterprise Agreement and securing industry-leading pay rates and 15% superannuation for thousands of Union members.

Mr Piccolo said Mr Smith’s dedication to the transport industry has not only paved new roads for progress, but also uplifted the spirits and livelihoods of countless workers.

“Ian Smith is a true champion of the transport world, turning the wheels of change, giving workers a voice and driving them toward a brighter, more secure future,” said Mr Piccolo.

“His journey is built on fairness, safety, and respect, and has shifted the gears of the transport industry forward through his tireless advocacy.”

Entering the transport industry as a TNT driver in 1994, Mr Smith passion and advocacy of his fellow colleagues’ needs grew as he went on to work then lead the SA/NT Branch of the Trasport Worker’s Union as secretary for the past eight years.

Late last year, the Union beat Qantas in High Court to give justice to 1,700 Qantas workers around the country who were illegally sacked.

Smith described the High Court decision as unlikely to be seen again because of the “fight and drive that our union – our members, delegates and leaders - put into making that outcome a reality.”

Other achievements Mr Smith recalled included taking on the Adelaide bus industry and winning to secure fair working conditions, building the Alex Gallacher Training Centre, Fighting for Safe Rates for over two decades; and passing transport reform into federal law just a few months ago.

Mr Smith wrote in his departure email to members, “(it) has been an incredible honour and getting to work with members of our great union every day for the last 15 years has been an absolute privilege.”

“With health issues that I need to attend to, I know that now is the right time to hand over the reins,” wrote Mr Smith.

“I love the transport industry – always have. The camaraderie we build together on the job, the satisfaction at the end of a hard days’ work; nothing beats it.”

Mr Smith also mentioned his late mentor - former senator, TWU President and branch secretary Alex Gallacher – who “always insisted that the role of the Branch Secretary was to leave the Union in a better place than you found it.”

“We’ve achieved that. We’re growing and our financial position has never been stronger. Both put us in the position to exercise our power and give transport workers a powerful voice – our core objective,” wrote Mr Smith.

Mr Smith said he leaves, “knowing that the long-term leadership of the Branch is in safe hands.”

Incoming secretary Sam McIntosh said, “Ian is a giant of the TWU and transport industry.”

“His passion for our members and their families is second to none and he has put our union in the position that it is in today.

“It’s an honour to be taking over from Ian and we all wish him the very best.”