The Victorian Department of Transport has refused to provide HVIA with a copy of its policy on vehicle marking requirements, saying the association would have to submit a request for it via the Freedom of Information (FOI) process (which it subsequently has).
Two weeks ago, HVIA advised members of an emerging issue regarding an unexpected change in VIN marking requirements in Victoria, which is causing delays and adding confusion and cost to the registration of second-hand trailers in that state.
Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger has been pursuing the issue directly with the Victorian Department of Transport and spoke directly with the Acting Principal Operational Policy Manager on Friday last week.
HVIA understands that there is a Victorian state policy on vehicle marking requirements that was signed by the Department’s Executive Director in 2024.
The association requested a copy of that policy in order to review it and understand its requirements and was informed by the Department of Transport that it could not be provided, and HVIA would have to submit a request for it via the Freedom of Information (FOI) process.
“It is absolutely baffling that an industry association is directed by the State Government to the FOI process in order to be able to review that State’s policies,” Ritzinger says.
“I am a complete loss to understand why Victorian state policies specifying operational matters relating to vehicle marking are being applied to industry, but simultaneously being kept under lock and key.
“These developments cost industry time and money and are hitting at a time of elevated economic pressure on heavy vehicle manufacturers and dealers. The fact that we being prevented from readily understanding the requirements the Victorian Government has set adds insult to injury.”
HVIA is still pursuing an in-person meeting with the Department and will endeavour to keep members informed of developments.
If members have any further information or recent experience with this issue, please contact Adam at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au.