HVIA has lodged its 2026-27 Federal Budget submission, calling on the Australian Government to invest $2.9 billion over four years to support productivity, decarbonisation, local manufacturing and safety in Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.
With the road freight task projected to grow 77 per cent by 2050, HVIA says decisive federal leadership is needed to remove regulatory bottlenecks, accelerate fleet renewal and ensure Australia remains competitive while transitioning to net zero.
Productivity
HVIA is urging a step-change in road freight productivity by cutting red tape and modernising access decision-making.
A key proposal is fast-tracking a National Automated Access System (NAAS) to replace slow, inconsistent permit processes with transparent, nationally consistent decisions.
Other priorities include expanding access for higher-productivity vehicles, improving interoperability between jurisdictions, establishing a national bridge asset register, publishing reasons for access refusals, and mandatory professional development for road managers. Even a one per cent productivity improvement could deliver up to $20 billion in economic benefits.
Decarbonisation
HVIA supports a technology-neutral pathway to net zero but warns progress will stall without targeted support.
The submission calls for a national heavy vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling plan, vehicle purchase incentives and finance, a dedicated Heavy Vehicle Net Zero Roadmap, investment in renewable diesel, regional demonstration projects and the creation of a Heavy Vehicle Net Zero Council.
Local Manufacturing
To protect Australia’s sovereign capability, HVIA is seeking a long-term national strategy for truck and trailer manufacturing, better access to finance, stronger local supply chains, payroll tax reform for apprenticeships, expanded fee-free TAFE and new LZEHV apprenticeship pathways.
Safety
Safety proposals include incentives to accelerate fleet renewal, a heavy vehicle safety retrofit fund, a no-fault ATSB road crash investigation pilot, and improved learner driver education.
HVIA’s submission presents a practical, industry-led plan to future proof Australia’s road freight system and support jobs, safety and economic growth.
The submission can be found here.
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