On 30 September 2025, the Federal Treasurer sent a request for advice to the Productivity Commission on a comprehensive package of heavy vehicle productivity reforms.
Seeing the Treasurer step into this space is unprecedented for this Government and demonstrates that the focus on heavy vehicles is expanding beyond traditional portfolios.
The Treasurer’s request is part of a broader pro-competitive reform under the Government’s National Competition Policy. An assessment of economic impact, as well as effect on GDP, national prosperity, industry productivity, employment and growth will be completed. The analysis and modelling will focus on the following areas:
> Increasing heavy vehicle road access to reduce emissions and increase productivity;
> Accelerating the establishment of a National Automated Access System to streamline road access decision making for all heavy vehicles;
> Accelerating implementation of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework;
> Removing administrative and regulatory barriers to improve the availability of HZEV charging infrastructure; and
> Reducing or removing curfews for HZEVs.
This is an important development, and much of what the Treasurer is requesting aligns with calls that HVIA has made in previous submissions and to the Transport Minister and relevant Departments.
Members may recall that the Productivity Commission echoed HVIA’s advocacy position that the transition to net zero for heavy vehicles must include incentives.
Additionally, we have also made previous submissions to various state transport bodies calling for increased heavy vehicle road access, asking road managers to “sweat the assets” that they manage, whilst maintaining safety.
The Productivity Commission will now consult widely, including with all levels of government. Its interim report is due by March 31, 2026, with the final report expected by June 30, 2026.
HVIA will engage in the process, and interested members should reach out to Chief Advocacy Officer Adele Lausberg at a.lausberg@hvia.asn.au.