One of Australia’s most significant road transport reforms cleared its first legislative hurdle on February 14 when the Queensland Government passed the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Amendment Bill 2012
More than five years in the making, the Bill now paves the way for one national rule book for the heavy vehicle industry.
It will be administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), which opened for business earlier this year. It currently manages the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme and design and vehicle approvals for the Performance-Based Standards Scheme.
“This Bill is an extraordinary achievement for industry and all levels of government across Australia,” said the NVHR Board Chair, the Hon Bruce Baird AM.
“The legislative wheels are now rolling and we’re looking forward to delivering real safety, productivity and efficiency improvements for the heavy vehicle industry.”
The HVNL consolidates eight different sets of state and territory road transport laws, meaning that reduced red tape and costs should flow on to all operators, large and small.
Currently a truck running from Far North Queensland to Melbourne must comply with three different sets of laws, a huge administrative burden on many operators.
“The benefits of one national rule book are substantial,” said Baird
The uniform rules will unlock estimated productivity gains for the heavy vehicle industry of up to $12.4 billion over the next 20 years, which also means savings along the supply chain, through to consumers.
“When you consider that delivery costs account for an estimated 43 per cent of the cost of a loaf of bread, the potential for savings is very real,” said Baird.
Participating states and territories are all expected to adopt the HVNL this year. Once the HVNL is adopted nationally, the NHVR will deliver a wide range of services in a one-stop-shop for key heavy vehicle road transport business with government.
However, some aspects of the new legislation need clarification according to Uniqco’s Grant Andrews – particularly with regard to whether certain items of equipment such as road sweepers or tractors fall within its realm and also just how fatigue management legislation will be applied.
He has reminded fleet managers that they can put any such questions to NVHR representatives, who will be present at the next round of the IPWEA professional development workshops.