HVIA Completes Successful Round of Member Forums

CEO Todd Hacking updated members on HVIA’s key activities in the latest round of Member Forums held across Australia throughout August, including the strong calibre of individuals putting up their hand to volunteer for the board following a call for nominations.

He also expressed thanks to all the members who have renewed their membership on time, with HVIA experiencing one of the most successful years to date.

Members heard about HVIA’s responses to the recently released NSW and Victoria freight strategies and policy documents, with the industry association calling for consistent end-to-end access for high productivity vehicles, and incentives to support safer, more productive vehicles.

Further on the topic of states, members also heard about discussions with governments around increased regulation of electric vehicles. HVIA has argued existing arrangements are sufficient to ensure training and skills meet the necessary requirements.

Members also discussed national regulatory updates, including to ROVER, RVCS and the HVNL Penalties Review and regular future work program.

The next federal election was discussed, and members were invited to share their thoughts on national policy setting and potential asks for a continued or new government.

Attendees at the Queensland Member Forum gained insights into the latest policy and regulatory developments

On the technical agenda was an update about the Trailer Wiring Working Group and Powered Trailer Working Group, both of which have had positive engagement with external stakeholders.

Significantly, HVIA flagged that it will shortly release its Best Practice Guide on Pit Safety, and now seek further suggestions from members on topics for future guides.

The forums also featured a presentation on the latest heavy vehicle crash statistics from NTI Transport Research Manager Adam Gibson and Research Fellow Dr Jasmine Proud from the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

Adam and Jasmine are the authors of National Truck Accident Research Centre’s Major Accident Report, the definitive annual report on heavy vehicle incidents.

If you would like to know more about any of the above topics, please reach out to Adam Ritzinger (Technical), Adele Lausberg (Advocacy), or Greg Forbes (Regulatory).

HVIA’s next Member Forum will be online in late October, members can register via this link here.