On December 2, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced the long-awaited review of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
Throughout 2024, HVIA has been working behind the scenes with the Department in Canberra to understand and influence an anticipated formal review of the ADRs.
The Government has appointed Dr Warren Mundy to head the review into how ADRs are aligned with international standards and to identify opportunities for improvement and for the removal of unnecessary barriers. Mundy has extensive experience in transport safety-critical businesses, including Melbourne Airport, Infratil Airports Europe and Airservices Australia – where he served on the safety committee.
The full terms of reference of the review are available to read here. Broadly, the review aims to identify:
> Ways to reduce cost and improve timeliness;
> Better support productivity and innovation in the vehicle and component manufacturing, road transport and other relevant industry sectors;
> Improved choice and price outcomes for consumers; and
> Support for the transition to net zero.
As this issue impacts a wide range of members, HVIA will seek to immediately form a targeted working group, and prepare a draft response paper in the coming weeks to be shared with that group and discussed in an online webinar in mid-January.
HVIA seeks nominations from members to be part of the ADR review working group. Any member is welcome to nominate themselves, by emailing either Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au.
HVIA will also email specific members known to have interests in the ADRs to seek participation in the working group.