HVNL reform implementation test

National freight guidelines

• Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movement Protocol.

Drivers are reminded to follow relevant health protocols while travelling into any state. These may include:

• practice social distancing where possible
• keep a list of close contacts
• carry and use correct PPE
• follow your COVID-19 safe plan.

All states and territories have advised of restrictions on unvaccinated people. These vary from state to state and include some access to businesses, entertainment areas, distribution centres and ports. Mask requirements also apply, please read the linked information for more details in each jurisdiction.

COVID testing and use of RATs

Safe Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman have published guidance on rapid antigen testing:

Rapid antigen testing | Safe Work Australia

COVID-19 testing and the workplace | Fair Work Ombudsman - Coronavirus

COVIDSafe plans

Safe Work Australia has information on National COVID-19 safe workplace principles and work health and safety for various industry sectors and the National COVID‑19 Coordination Commission has also developed a Small business planning tool - COVID-19.

• COVID-19 National Safety Plan Template (PDF, 222KB) -The NHVR developed a generic transport template for a COVID Safety Plan. Before using it please check with the relevant jurisdiction that it meets all their requirements.

What is changing?

Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme

• Introduces a new tiered accreditation framework: General Safety Accreditation (GSA) and Alternative Compliance Accreditation (ACA).
• GSA is the core accreditation requirement; ACA provides flexible alternative compliance pathways.
• There is a transition period for up to 3 years where NHVAS and HVA run concurrently; operators transition on expiry of current accreditation or earlier by choice.
• NHVAS will no longer accept new applicants once the amended law commences.
• Alternative Compliance Hours standard replaces both Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).
• Read more about the NHVAS transition to HVA scheme.

Safety Management System (SMS) Standard

• Is a ministerially-approved standard that provides defined auditable evidence requirements.
• Focussed around five core SMS outcomes:
  • Leadership and Commitment
  • Risk Management
  • People
  • Assurance, Monitoring and Improvement
  • Safety Systems.

Operator SMS

• Operators must develop an SMS proportionate to the operation's size, complexity, and risk.
• The NHVR must be satisfied that an operator's SMS complies with the SMS Standard.

Audits

• The National Audit Standard (NAS) enables impartial audits of SMS and accreditation requirements under GSA and ACA.
• Up to three audits for new entrants (entry, initial compliance, compliance); initial compliance audit may be waived if all elements of the operator's SMS are assessed as Present, Suitable, Operating, and Effective (PSOE) at entry audit.
• One compliance audit per accreditation period, conducted between 9 and one month before expiry.
• Operators are expected to conduct ongoing internal audits and maintain evidence to support regulatory assurance.

Unfit to Drive

• This is a new safety duty where drivers must not drive if unfit for any reason (physical or mental illness, injury, drugs, alcohol, fatigue).
• Legal authority empowers drivers to refrain from or stop driving when unfit.
• Supports proactive health and fitness management and aligns with WHS Act 2011 obligations.

Written and Electronic Work Diaries (WWD and EWD)

Updates align with amended HVNL, including:

• Alternative Compliance Accreditation - Fatigue
• simplified driver record-keeping
• incorporation of the Unfit to Drive duty
• minor updates to definitions.

Mass, Dimension and Loading

• General Mass Limits (GLM) updated to align with Concessional Mass Limits (CML).
• Vehicle length limit increased from 19m to 20m.
• Euro VI concessions expanded to include road trains.
• Updated tag trailer tow mass ratios and operating conditions.
• Proposed changes to heavy vehicle mass and size rule - Fact sheet (PDF, 200KB)
• Mass, Dimension and Loading changes - Fact sheet (PDF, 736KB)