Inclusion of industry leaders on development of national heavy vehicle regulations will help shape framework of the scheme
November 14, 2011
Trucking representatives will act as a key cog in the development of national regulations, with the Federal Government saying it is vital the industry has a voice on the framework of the scheme.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says the government will turn to advice from the Australian Trucking Association, the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association and the Australian Logistics Council in implementing the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
ATA Chairman David Simon, ALRTA Executive Director Philip Halton and ALC Deputy Chair Andrew Ethell have been appointed to the implementation board of the NHVR, which will streamline regulations across borders from January 1, 2013.
“Working together with government representatives, the inclusion of these leading figures from the road freight sector will add depth to the key decisions around the shape of the national heavy vehicle regulator,” Albanese says.
“The Gillard Government believes in providing greater transparency and engagement and it’s important that key players in the industry are involved in discussions that directly impact on them.”
The board will also include representatives from each state and territory.
National regulators will also be introduced for the rail and maritime industries, with Albanese saying the reforms will lead to $30 billion boost to the economy over the next 20 years.
“Having a national regulator means that long haul freight operators will no longer need to meet different laws and rules for log books, driving hours and maximum loads as they cross state borders,” he says.
Simon, Halton and Ethell also attended the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) meeting on November 4 as observers. SCOTI, which brings together the nation’s transport ministers, voted in favour of legislation to bring in national heavy vehicle and rail regulations.
Ministers also appointed former NSW transport minister Bruce Baird to chair the regulator board. An international search will begin to appoint the CEO.