Options for a future law
We are moving into the next phase of the review where we will test a realistic set of policy options. Read the Consultation RIS and HVNL 2.0 document and let us know what you think would work for a new HVNL.
We're reviewing the Heavy Vehicle National Law
Ministers have asked the National Transport Commission (NTC) to lead the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and its supporting regulations.
We recognise that the current law is not best practice - it's outdated, complex, long, prescriptive and does not support road safety outcomes. We are going back to basics to review the law from first principles.
The HVNL Review will result in performance-based and outcomes-focused regulation that will:
- improve safety for all road users
- support increased economic productivity and innovation
- simplify administration and enforcement of the law
- support the use of new technologies and methods of operation, and
- provide flexible, outcome-focused compliance options.
Have your say
We are moving into the next phase of the review where we are testing a realistic set of policy options.
We will be seeking your views between now and December 2020.
Getting involved is easy. Tell us your experiences and give us your feedback. Your input will be used to inform and shape policy options for consideration by ministers in 2021.
Share your ideas for a new law
Tell us how we can improve the Heavy Vehicle National Law and see what others are saying
Where we are up to
The Review started in November 2018. Throughout 2019 the NTC consulted with governments, regulators, heavy vehicle drivers, large and small operators, peak industry bodies, technology providers, and the wider community to get a clear and accurate picture of problems with the HVNL.
In September 2019 we shifted from identifying issues to generating solutions. The NTC canvassed a number of ideas for the future HVNL and sought feedback on these.
In January 2020 we released a Summary of consultation outcomes..
In June 2020, we released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) based on hundreds of submissions to our issues papers and collaboration with government, industry, the police, the regulator and many others. We have also released a complementary guide HVNL 2.0 – a better law scenario to be read alongside the RIS as a short-form description of one possible scenario for the future law.
We will be consulting on the RIS over the coming months. We will then finalise options in a decision RIS and present to ministers in May 2021.
Consultation so far
Issues Papers
Between March and September we released seven issues papers seeking written submissions on risk-based regulation, fatigue, access, safe vehicles, safe people, assurance models and enforcement.
Co-design Workshops
In June 2019 the NTC held two co-design workshops, bringing together government, industry, and regulator stakeholders. During these workshops stakeholders collaborated to work out the real issues on managing fatigue and access to suitable routes.
Policy Solution Workshops
In November and December 2019 the NTC held four Policy Solution Workshops in Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. The workshops brought government, industry and regulator stakeholders together to test policy ideas for the future HVNL.
Expert panel meetings
The Expert Panel (EP) was appointed by Ministers to consider and provide independent advice to the NTC for the HVNL Review. In 2019 NTC and the EP met 8 times, and will continue to meet throughout the Review.
JSOP meetings
The Jurisdictional Strategic Oversight Panel (JSOP) was formed to provide high-level strategic advice to the NTC from a government perspective. It is comprised of senior level officers from all jurisdictions. In 2019 the JSOP and the NTC met formally 9 times. They will continue to meet throughout the Review.
Policy group meetings
Two policy groups were engaged to assist with the review to represent regulators’ and industry perspectives. The NTC met with the Heavy Vehicle Regulators Panel (HVRP) and the Industry Advisory Group (IAG) each three times in 2019. They will continue to meet throughout the Review.