NSW wants to overhaul fatigue management, and tells other states and territories to follow its lead
NSW will grant industry-specific exemptions under fatigue management laws and push other states to harmonise their regulations.
Following meetings with industry leaders and government officials, Minister for Roads Michael Daley has told other jurisdictions to follow his lead in addressing industry concerns over fatigue laws.
Daley has pledged to act on concerns raised by industry groups and government officials, and will argue for other states and territories to overhaul work and rest time limits and accreditation schemes, which he says are complex and confusing.
NSW will also push for greater consistency in enforcement across borders in an effort to improve fatigue management implementation.
“I’m taking action to fix the problems within NSW, and will be strongly urging the roads minister in other states and territories to ensure industry concerns about the new national laws are promptly addressed,” Daley says.
Saying the different industry sectors cannot comply with a one-size-fits-all model, Daley will propose exemptions for operators involved in transporting fresh produce, grain and livestock, waste collection and community transport services.
The exemptions are scheduled to be in place in the first three months of 2009 following consultation with industry groups and road safety experts.
“Throughout consultations, I’ve clearly indicated that I’m open to sensible suggestions which will reduce the complexity and paperwork associated with the new laws, while maintaining nationally uniform road safety standards,” Daley says.
As an immediate reform, Daley will allow NSW operators with fatigue management systems accredited under the previous model to engage new drivers during the 12 month transition to the new accreditations schemes.
This measure will take effect early January.
The Opposition threatened to pass a motion of disallowance, which would have scrapped fatigue management, unless Daley acted on the industry’s concerns.
Opposition spokesman on roads Duncan Gay, who was also involved in the meetings, wanted more rest areas built to allow the industry to comply with work hour regulations.