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The National Transport Commission (NTC), together with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), has today launched public consultation on four key statutory instruments that will support implementation of the updated Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), approved by ministers in August and currently before the Queensland Parliament as the host jurisdiction.
The statutory instruments, covering accreditation guidelines, a safety management system standard, a national audit standard and fatigue alternative compliance hours, will underpin the updated law and ensure consistent, practical outcomes across HVNL-participating states and territories.
“Today marks a major step toward preparing the updated HVNL for operation, with the draft standards and guidelines forming an essential part of the framework that will enable its implementation,” said the NTC’s Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, Michael Hopkins.
“These instruments will provide clarity to the NHVR about ministers’ expectations and requirements, and enable the NHVR to finalise operational detail that will provide clarity and certainty for heavy-vehicle businesses of all sizes,” Mr Hopkins said.
“This represents an important milestone for heavy vehicle safety as we move away from a compliance focused approach to improved risk-based safety management outcomes,” NHVR Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rosie said.
“The National Audit Standard was identified by industry as a key outcome of the HVNL review that will deliver national consistency and provide the basis for future streamlining of audits.”
Feedback is invited on the clarity of requirements, suitability for operators of different size and complexity, and any technical or administrative issues that may affect implementation.
“As we move to a more flexible, risk-based framework, it’s important that the requirements are achievable and that the system continues to encourage both innovation and safety,” Mr Hopkins said.
Following consultation, the NTC and NHVR will review submissions and work with governments to finalise the instruments for ministerial approval.
The instruments will be ready to support commencement of the updated HVNL, anticipated for mid-2026.
Stakeholders can read the draft standards and guidelines and have their say by visiting ntc.gov.au. Consultation closes on Monday 1 December.