The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) launched a new confidential reporting hotline today to address truck safety under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline (HVCRH) will operate nationally and all drivers, supply chain employees and general road users are encouraged to report safety concerns.
Federal infrastructure and transport minister Michael McCormack says the national confidential reporting line will allow heavy vehicle safety concerns to be reported to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) who will then assess the complaint.
“The confidential reporting line will protect the identity of the reporting individual throughout all stages of the process,” McCormack said.
“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Coalition is committed to improving heavy vehicle road safety, and this is yet another measure funded under our $16 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative [HVSI].
“Anyone with a safety concern can call 1800 931 785, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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The hotline was funded by the Australian Government through a $250,000 grant from the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and is being commended by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).
“This reporting line is welcome news for the trucking industry, as safety is everyone’s responsibility,” ATA chair Geoff Crouch said today.
“Many employees and operators, if pressed to act illegally, are worried about losing their contract so they are afraid to report breaches.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto explains the HVCRH will be operated from today by an independent third party, Crime Stoppers Queensland.
“NHVR has partnered with Crime Stoppers Queensland to take advantage of its expertise in receiving confidential calls and ensure they are processed appropriately,” Petroccitto said.
“I encourage individuals to take advantage of this service to contribute to the safety of our industry without fear of recrimination.”
The Hotline is intended to improve safety in the industry by allowing people to report appropriate information which may include:
- An incident or situation which affects the safety of a heavy vehicle or its operation
- A procedure, practice or condition which endangers the safety of a heavy vehicle driver, their passengers, other road users or the community
- A procedure, practice or condition which leads to non-compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Calls to the confidential hotline will be free from any landline in Australia as well as some mobile networks.