HVNL reform implementation

A review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), led by the National Transport Commission (NTC), commenced in 2019 and aimed to update the existing law to improve safety and productivity for Australia’s heavy vehicle sector. The review identified a series of reform options to enhance the effectiveness of the HVNL for governments, industry and the broader community.

This process has resulted in the development of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2025 and the Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulations 2025 (together, the 2025 Amendment Package), which have been introduced to Queensland Parliament.

The new law is scheduled to commence in mid-2026, subject to its successful passage through parliament.

Resources

The NHVR is actively preparing for the implementation of the new law, to ensure a smooth transition for industry and regulatory partners.

As more information becomes available, this page will be updated to include:

  • Details of the new law and regulations
  • Implementation timeframes 
  • Guidance and support material for industry.

In the meantime, you can:

Draft standards and guidelines released for public consultation

As part of the HVNL reform, heavy vehicle accreditation is transitioning from a prescriptive, compliance-based system to a risk-based approach focused on safety management. To support this shift, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has developed key documents, including:

  • SMS Standard: Outlines performance outcomes for compliant safety management systems.
  • Schedule 1 – SMS Evidence Requirements: Details evidence expectations and supports the NHVR’s assessment process.
  • Standard for Alternative Compliance Hours: Establishes a framework for alternative fatigue compliance and the use of the Risk Classification System.
  • Ministerial Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (Ministerial Guidelines): Directs the NHVR’s accreditation decisions.

To support these documents, the NHVR has developed the National Audit Standard (NAS) to provide a nationally consistent audit framework founded on contemporary, safety-focused principles. The NAS enables impartial audits of safety management systems and accreditation requirements under both General Safety Accreditation and Alternative Compliance Accreditation, ensuring audits contribute to ongoing safety improvements. The NAS incorporates key elements from the existing National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme Business Rules and Standards, as well as the Audit Framework and Code of Conduct, while introducing enhanced measures to reinforce its focus on safety outcomes.

The NAS has been released alongside the Ministerial Guidelines and the SMS Standard for public consultation until Monday, 1 December 2025.

This is a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders to provide feedback on the transition towards a safer, more efficient heavy vehicle accreditation system.

You can find the consultation package and share your feedback through the NTC’s project webpage.