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The NHVR is pleased to announce significant updates to the Master Code.
Updating the Master Code
The Master Code was first registered in November 2018 as a general code that applies to the whole of the heavy vehicle industry. It is still widely used and regarded as an authoritative source of information about safety in heavy vehicle transport and related industries.
However, since 2018, both the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and the industry has evolved. The NHVR has drafted an update to the Master Code to reflect these changes, ensuring the code remains a practical and relevant safety resource.
This review is an opportunity to build on existing content in the Master Code, with broad input from stakeholders and industry.
Updating the code has to date been a highly iterative process. The draft has incorporated substantial feedback that we have received from industry, in both formal and information consultation processes, as well as indirectly via stakeholders who have interacted with us.
Key Changes
Structural Changes
The new code has transitioned from a role-based structure to an activity-based structure. This change focuses on the risks associated with transport activities, rather than a specific job title or role, aiming to shift the compliance-based mindset still prevalent in some parts of industry.
Broader Scope
The 2018 Code focused on specific risk areas such as Speed, Fatigue, Vehicle Standards, and Mass Dimension and Loading. The updated code broadens this scope to encompass a wider range of hazards and risks.
Next steps
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Mid August |
The NHVR will publish a draft of the code for public feedback. Interested stakeholders are invited to view the draft and provide written feedback to the codes team for analysis and consideration. |
| August/September |
The NHVR will host a series of consultation workshops allowing stakeholders to discuss issues in more detail and share insights. Participants will be asked to provide feedback in a shared document prior to their scheduled session. |
| October |
An assessment panel of external and NHVR subject matter experts will review the code to determine suitability for registration. |
| November | Subject to endorsement by the assessment panel, code approved for registration. |
Feedback during public consultation
We will shortly publish a new draft version of the Master Code for further review and feedback. You can provide written feedback on the draft during this period.
Please contact the team with questions at codes@nhvr.gov.au