Last week HVIA held its final Member Forum for 2025, in an online format designed specifically to provide the same level of engaging and informative content that members enjoy, without the need to travel to an in-person meeting.
The HVIA team provided updates on key advocacy, regulatory, technical and policy issues that are currently shaping the industry, including national regulatory updates (ROVER and the Heavy Vehicle National Law), HVIA’s new sustainability guide, recent ADR consultations and updates, NHVR Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) reforms, and Euro VI regulatory impacts in the PBS scheme.
The meeting was recorded, and the slides are available for interested members. Please contact Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au to obtain a copy.
HVIA technical staff Rachel Michaud and Adam Ritzinger (pictured above) took the opportunity to re-launch HVIA’s extensive working groups, which were recently formalised on HVIA’s website. Rachel and Adam encourage all members to review what is on offer and reach out to them to become involved and help shape the industry’s future in 2026 and beyond.
In his report, HVIA CEO Todd Hacking celebrated key milestones, looked forward to the coming HVIA Gala Dinner and Awards night, and noted some recent staff changes. The full text of Todd’s report is available below.
The forum was rounded out by a presentation from global tax advisory firm Alvarez & Marsal, which covered tax concessions for research and development investments, and transfer pricing for businesses dealing with international counterparts. Both topics are relevant given the current economic climate. A copy of the guest presentation slide pack is available, again please contact Adam.
HVIA will shortly announce its calendar of Member Forums for 2026, which will again include a mix of in-person and online events spread throughout the year. Subscribing to Talk the Torque is the best way of ensuring that you receive news of all upcoming events.
Exclusive to members, HVIA’s Member Forums are the best way to ensure you are aware of all the major changes and updates impacting Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. For more information on the full suite of HVIA member benefits – and/or to join HVIA – click here.
CEO Report
It is a pleasure to address members once again fresh off HVIA’s recent 55th AGM in Melbourne on 30 October, which also included a board meeting and a Networking Event where guests heard from Craig “Hutchy” Hutchison, CEO of SEN on how he took a two-person start up operating out of a garage to a near 1,000 staff diverse organisation.
HVIA is in the throes of some administrative transition, which has been planned for some time. Both Greg Forbes and Noelene Bradley have finished up with HVIA in full-time capacities. Kay Marco is now fully in Noelene’s chair and to bolster the technical advocacy, HVIA has employed Rachel Michaud, as our Chief Engineer, which we are thrilled about.
There are a few other changes with Michael Rose leaving the organisation and Dr Adele Lausberg advising that she will shortly depart for her dream role back with the Property Council. HVIA is recruiting now for replacements, and we hope to share exciting news soon.
With the admin out of the way, HVIA is looking forward to our Gala Dinner and Awards night, where not only have we had a record number of nominations (52) and some amazing finalists we are also taking the opportunity to recognise 84 HVIA members who have been with us for 10, 25 or 50 years. The full list now lives full time on our website.
There is no doubt that the industry is a lot slower than in previous years and this is the time when HVIA can really assist our members by working on projects that can deliver value, productivity and efficiency. Please continue to attend these functions and Working Groups so that your feedback is capture and included in these projects and activities.
If I do not see you on the 4th of December at the Gala and Awards dinner, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Kind regards and thank you all for your support, loyalty and contributions.