Move gives opportunity to progress detailed planning, testing and IT processes
The value of proper government consultation and the heeding of industry’s messages have been franked once again, with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development confirming it led to the postponement of the looming vehicle standards Act
The Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), which has flagged its concerns that Act’s commencement on the original timetable would be premature for both the industry it represents and the government, welcomed the move yesterday.
The upshot is the introduction, with little fanfare, to Parliament of the Road Vehicle Standards Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 for a postponement of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and the Road Vehicle Standards (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2018.
Read how HVIA greeted the postponement of the Act, here
“Since the passage of the Road Vehicle Standards legislation in November 2018, the department has continued extensive consultation with stakeholders on the implementation of the legislation,” a Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development spokesperson tells ATN.
“During this consultation process, the Government has received a strong message that more time is needed for both the Government and industry to plan and implement changes to their business processes to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the new legislative framework.
“The new Road Vehicle Standards legislative package is the most important set of changes to the Government’s regulation of road vehicles in almost three decades.
“The proposed amendment will allow the Government to work closely in consultation with all industry sectors and state and territory governments to ensure it gets the timing right.
“The proposed amendment will allow the Government to further develop and communicate the tools and processes that will apply under the new framework, coordinate readiness across agencies and continue to work with stakeholders through established consultation arrangements.
“It will also give businesses the opportunity to become familiar with the new legislation and any changed responsibilities, engage in detailed planning using information about administrative procedures and correctly sequence required changes to their business processes.”
The start date will now be no later than July 1, 2021.
“It will also give stakeholders further opportunity to engage in detailed planning with the Government, and to develop, test, properly sequence and implement changes to business processes to maximise the benefits available to them once the substantive provisions of the legislation commence,” the amendment states.
“Postponement of commencement will also allow the Government to finalise regulatory business processes including IT systems support, provide the guidance required by industry stakeholders, continue engaging with stakeholders through established consultation arrangements, and coordinate readiness across Commonwealth, state and territory governments to ensure the timing for commencement of the legislation is right and make the transition as smooth as possible.”