THE AUSTRALIAN Government has released revised details on its national heavy vehicle plan.
Following consultations with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), its member associations and other stakeholders, the Government is considering four options for reforming heavy vehicle regulation, registration and licensing.
One of the four options is to set up a single national heavy vehicle regulator.
According to the government, this is the preferred option for future heavy vehicle regulation on the grounds that it is expected to be the least costly to implement and maintain, as well as maximises both the quantifiable and qualitative benefits of reform and provides a net benefit over the status quo.
The RIS also reports the outcomes of the Government’s consultations with the trucking industry.
“Industry accepts regulation as a necessity and that it can provide benefits: it is keen to raise its professional profile. However the existing regulatory framework is forcing operators to make choices not to operate in some markets, or not to carry certain freight in order to avoid complexity and costs,” the RIS says.
“Uniformity of regulation and administration is more important for interstate operators (including those who operate in more than one jurisdiction even if their vehicles don’t actually travel interstate); intrastate operators work with the legislation and supporting systems that are in place.
“The possible content of new national regulation is a strong concern, with a common view expressed that to date, governments have shown little will to achieve regulatory outcomes that serve industry needs.
The RIS stated that the need for clarity and transparency in decision-making processes and outcomes is a key message, and that this transparency could come from a stronger involvement of industry in the development of regulation and its supporting frameworks.
The ATA’s councillors will meet in Canberra next week to discuss the revised RIS, including with the Federal Infrastructure and Transport Department.
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