Road managers
Accessibility tools
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding industry it can find practical support and advice on safe livestock transport through the newly released Master Code.
The revised and expanded Master Code went live earlier this year to help operators and other supply-chain participants better understand, manage and reduce safety risks in day-to-day operations.
NHVR Acting Director of Policy Implementation Susannah McGirr said for the livestock industry, the Master Code provided important information for Chain or Responsibility (CoR) parties.
“If you send or receive livestock using heavy vehicles, you are likely a party in the CoR, meaning you have a duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law to ensure safety,” Ms McGirr said.
“The Master Code is designed to help you understand the hazards and risks you need to consider, with detailed information for businesses that prepare livestock for transport and for those on the receiving end.
“These include activities and controls unique to livestock transport and that support existing guidance.”
The 2026 Master Code also provides information for how off-road parties can assist in planning livestock transport by supplying information about safe access routes and vehicle movement information on premises.
“The code bridges the gap between the legal duty and everyday business decisions, by identifying what can go wrong in business operations that involve heavy vehicles and outlining practical ways to prevent harm,” Ms McGirr said.
“Every person involved in heavy vehicle transport can help increase safety, and we encourage CoR parties within the livestock industry to read the code and familiarise themselves with its practical recommendations.”
Ms McGirr said the NHVR would soon be offering additional options for industry engagement, such as online webinars, to provide further support.
“We are continuing to seek out ways to help industry better understand resources like the code so that we can provide the clearest roadmap to safer operations,” she said.
“For any business, operator or driver interested in learning more about the Master Code and how it can be used to improve safety, please reach out to our team.”
Feedback or requests for further resources may be sent to codes@nhvr.gov.au.
More information on the 2026 Master Code can be found on the NHVR website.