National heavy vehicle reforms
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working with the Commonwealth and all other jurisdictions on two major reforms on how heavy vehicles are regulated. These national reforms aim to increase productivity in the freight sector by applying a single set of regulations through a single regulator across Australia.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will administer a national body of law to govern the regulation of all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes. The establishment of the NHVR aims to improve productivity and international competitiveness, and reduce the regulatory burden for industry, making it easier for businesses and workers to operate across state borders. The NHVR will be a single contact point, providing centralised services and information to heavy vehicle operators across Australia on matters such as registration, mass and loading, fatigue management, and compliance and enforcement.
A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) exposure draft were released for public consultation by the National Transport Commission (NTC) on 28 February 2011. Both documents are available at the National Transport Commission website*.
The consultation period will run for ten weeks and is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to comment on the RIS and HVNL. The NTC and the NHVR Project Office are conducting a series of information forums, designed to provide an overview of key aspects of the law, how the regulator will operate and its likely benefits, and will allow time for participant feedback. There will also be an opportunity to discuss how the proposed law will impact on specific states and regional areas.
More information and to register for a forum*.
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Road Reform Plan
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Road Reform Plan (CRRP) is a long term road reform agenda. It promotes timely and efficient investment in, and use of transport infrastructure to enable Australia to meet its growing freight task and maximise economic growth. The first phase of the CRRP is a feasibility study to consider options to provide a better connection between road usage and road funding, providing a safe sustainable and efficient freight network for Australia.
Phase one was completed in May 2009. It involved a comprehensive review of heavy vehicle pricing and the provision of roads to support freight. COAG requested that the Australian Transport Council investigate the feasibility of an alternative system of charging for heavy vehicles, where charges better reflect the factors that cause road wear and tear. COAG considered the initial report and found there was sufficient evidence to warrant a feasibility study. Phase 2 commenced in July 2009 and the final report to COAG is due for release in December 2011.
Related links
Council of Australian Governments (COAG)*
COAG Road Reforn Plan (CRRP)*
Australian Transport Council (ATC)*
National Transport Commission Australia*
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Project Office*
Queensland Trucking Association*
*The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site. This link will load into a new window.
