Have your say on HVNL changes impact

It is not too late to have input into HVIA’s response to the current review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

HVIA National Manager of Policy and Government Relations, Greg Forbes encourages members to have their say before the industry’s response is presented to the National Transport Commission (NTC).

“When the Heavy Vehicle National Law Consultation RIS (Regulatory Impact Statement) was published in June we asked members for feedback,” Greg said.

“Unfortunately, wading through the 200-page document is hard work and we have not had much response to date.

“We have now produced a more digestible summary to make it easier for members to understand the key issues impacting on our industry.

“The general thrust of the HVIA submission will be that the current law is too focused on after-the-event prosecution of offences, and that there needs to be a shift toward an approach that provides incentives for good behaviour.

“In particular HVIA believes that the recent Productivity Commission report demonstrates that the key to a safer and more productive road transport system is to encourage the uptake of the safe systems approach.

“These findings are in line with HVIA policy encouraging safer and more productive vehicles, safer infrastructure and improved practices by operators.

“However, prior to finalising our response, HVIA is seeking input from members on the RIS.”

To facilitate member feedback HVIA has produced a short summary of the key issues which impact our industry that were identified in the RIS and posed a number of questions which will help us refine our response.

Members are asked to provide feedback by 23 October 2020 for incorporation into HVIA’s response to the NTC.

Background

Following the release of a number of issues papers and broad consultation with Stakeholders during 2019 and early 2020 the NTC published a 200 page Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS).

In June 2020 and followed up with a paper called HVNL 2.0 which discusses one possible scenario for changes to the HVNL.

The NTC is seeking comments on the RIS by 9 November and will then produce a decision RIS before seeking Ministerial approval for changes to the Law in May 2021.

Contact Greg Forbes 0437923755 g.forbes@hvia.asn.au