Gallagher supports review of 'long and complicated' trucking law

The National Transport Commission is calling on industry experts to help review amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which came into effect on October 01, 2018. The aim is to simplify the law and to clear up any confusion around required practices for heavy vehicle and trucking operators.

Industry stakeholders have criticised the 633-page HVNL document since it became law, with many saying it’s too long and confusing. Even the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch has described the HVNL as “far too long, prescriptive and complicated,” despite the ATA playing a key role in amending the chain of responsibility provisions in the law.

Insurance brokerage giant Gallagher has come out in support of the HVNL review. In a recent blog post, Gallagher head of transport Roz Shaw said she’s happy the review is going to use industry experts as a resource and that the final result could be simpler legislation.

The complex national truck law, which is three times as long as the Civil Aviation Act and four times as long as the Rail Safety National Law, is “very difficult for everyone involved in the industry to navigate,” according to Shaw. This includes difficulties for “insurance brokers responsible for ensuring their clients risks are fully covered,” she said.

Under expert review are key issues such as: prescribed work and rest hours, heavy vehicle road access approvals, performance-based standards, and the use of technology and data for regulatory purposes and heavy vehicle accreditation. The reference panel of transport industry experts will be chaired by former productivity commission chair Peter Harris, and will have direct access to government ministers throughout the review.