TruckShowX – Driving The Future’ presents solutions that work, results that matter, and progress that lasts.
Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are proudly presenting the second edition of TruckShowX, following the success of the first event in Melbourne in 2024.
Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are proudly presenting the second edition of TruckShowX, following the success of the first event in Melbourne in 2024.
TruckShowX 2026 – Driving the Future will offer delegates the opportunity to learn from the industry’s prime movers how businesses are transforming through innovation and technology.
They’ll hear about the partnerships, projects, and real-world case studies focusing on decarbonisation, transport productivity, sustainability, efficiency and safety, held alongside drive-day opportunities, a trailer showcase, a technology and capability expo, and a lively social program.
All held in the centrally-located, postcard-perfect Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Interested parties can also visit the website or e-mail info@truckshowx.com.au
TruckShowX 2026 key dates:
Sunday 17 May 2026: Truckline Golf Day / Pickleball Hit Out + Welcome Drinks
Monday 18 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase, Driving + Social Function
Tuesday 19 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase + Driving
$5 Billion Net Zero Fund: What It Means for Australia’s Cold Chain
The Government announced the design of the new Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). The government is now consulting industry on design of the fund to ensure its fit for purpose.
The Government announced the design of the new Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). The government is now consulting industry on design of the fund to ensure its fit for purpose.
The RWTA lodged a submission in 2025 with the NRF to help heavy industry cut emissions and scale up low-emissions technology manufacturing.
The $5 billion Net Zero Fund offers finance at a rate below typical commercial returns, enabling risk-taking that encourages adoption of decarbonisation technologies and attracts private investment.
It aims to lower energy costs, improve competitiveness and preserve jobs in key industrial sectors while supporting Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.
The Net Zero Fund is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and signals government commitment to capturing opportunities from the global energy transformation.
Read More Here;
Net Zero Fund proposed design Summary of consultation feedback
Australia and New Zealand’s Cold Chain Running Out of Room: Building Capacity and Resilience with Automation
Australia and New Zealand’s (ANZ) cold chain sector is experiencing one of the sharpest demand surges in decades. Frozen categories continue to rise as consumers seek value, meal-kit and online grocery services are expanding deeper into regional markets, and pharmaceutical and export volumes show no sign of easing.
By: David Rubie, Dematic ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation
Australia and New Zealand’s (ANZ) cold chain sector is experiencing one of the sharpest demand surges in decades. Frozen categories continue to rise as consumers seek value, meal-kit and online grocery services are expanding deeper into regional markets, and pharmaceutical and export volumes show no sign of easing.
Global forecasts illustrate this upward trajectory. By 2030, the refrigerated warehousing market is projected to reach US$427 billion, growing at more than 18% annually, with Asia Pacific outpacing every other region, according to Grand View Research.
Despite the ANZ region playing a central role in this growth story, capacity across the region is already tight – and it’s getting tighter. The question confronting industry leaders now isn’t whether demand will keep climbing, it’s figuring out how and where the sector will find the capacity and resilience to handle it.
For ANZ, the challenge has shifted from simply meeting demand. It’s now about managing it within tightening infrastructure, labour, and cost constraints. Development timelines remain lengthy, skilled labour is increasingly hard to find, and regulatory and land-use complexities make expansion difficult. As a result, operators are being pushed to consider new ways to increase capacity and maintain reliability across the supply chain.
What’s driving demand?
Consumer behaviour across the region has been changing in recent years. Economic pressures have driven stronger preference for frozen and ready-to-eat categories, with frozen fruit and vegetables among the fastest-growing segments. This is contributing to more stock keeping units (SKUs), higher stock rotation, and increased storage requirements.
Online grocery markets are also maturing, with meal-kit and fast delivery services extending further into regional areas. These models depend heavily on reliable temperature-controlled capacity and predictable throughput.
Outside the food sector, demand is growing for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, biologics, chemicals, and specialised materials that support healthcare and industrial sectors. Exports, particularly premium seafood and meat, continue to expand and place additional pressure on cold chain infrastructure.
Combined, these pressures are outpacing the rate at which new capacity can be brought online.
A widening capacity gap
Industry analysis by CBRE indicates that unless development accelerates, Australia’s cold storage shortfall could reach 4.2 million cubic metres by 2030. This gap is already visible in day-to-day operations. Facilities are running at or near full capacity, vacancy rates are extremely low, and available space is being leased quickly, often before new builds are completed.
Several factors are slowing expansion, including high construction costs (high price materials, refrigeration and specialist trades), lengthy approvals (extending timelines and increasing project risk), and land constraints (particularly near ports and distribution hubs).
At the same time, the sector continues to contend with a range of cost pressures, particularly labour shortages, rising energy costs, and high facility rental prices.
These factors are reshaping investment priorities across the sector.
A shift toward focused and strategic automation
In response to these constraints, the conversation around automation has matured. It’s evolved beyond the idea of fully autonomous warehouses. Today, the focus is on how automation can help to solve real problems to build capacity, improve throughput, support labour shortages and enhance consistency, while reducing operational risk.
Across ANZ, a clear trend is emerging toward targeted automation that delivers immediate, measurable impact. Freezer-rated solutions have become more flexible and cost-accessible, making them viable for a broader range of operators, including producers and regional facilities that previously considered automation out of reach.
Automation is increasingly being used to open up higher storage density within existing facilities, maintain throughput despite labour shortages, stabilise operations and improve reliability, and reduce manual handling and improve safety
A key development has been the growth of multi-client cold storage facilities, where anchor businesses consolidate volumes and share automation infrastructure. Flexible zoning within these facilities also allows operators to reassign chilled, frozen, or ambient areas based on seasonal needs.
Digital warehouse management and control systems have also matured, supported by AI-enhanced decision-making that improves inventory accuracy and operational planning. Gartner research showed that 74% of global supply chain respondents said AI would be a key driver of change over the next three to five years.
Meanwhile, operators building new facilities are trending towards higher density, maximising vertical capacity and energy efficiency. Whereas many existing low-bay or older warehousing facilities are shifting to deeper-lane racking, higher-density configurations, or partial automation retrofits.
What automation investments are being made
Across ANZ, investment is rising among producers, food manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers. Dematic data shows that last year investment in cold chain automation and robotics sat at almost AUD$100 million in ANZ region.
Key areas of automation investment include automated pallet storage, AGV pallet movement, and automated case storage and case picking. The strongest momentum is in automated pallet storage, driven by higher frozen demand, changing dietary trends, and the need for consistent temperature control and traceability.
Over the past 25 years Dematic has witnessed automated pallet storage grow from a minority to the majority of new pallet storage installations in the region. While large 3PLs have historically led this trend, a growing share of investment now comes from producers and processors, metropolitan and regional, implementing scaled-down automated facilities or retrofitting existing warehouses.
These smaller, integrated solutions offer one of the most promising avenues for unlocking capacity without relying solely on new builds.
Brownfield automation is the next step for many
As land becomes harder to secure and construction costs continue to climb, automation suitable for older facilities is receiving more attention.
Solutions like the 4-way pallet shuttle are helping to bring automation into existing and older facilities. The system travels both across aisles and storage channels and between levels, enabling deep-lane storage and significantly increasing density without requiring new building construction. It also offers the flexibility to expand or reconfigure as operational capacity or throughput needs change.
This opens opportunities for operators to extract more value from assets they already own, provided the building meets key structural criteria. Some criteria include sufficient ceiling height, adequate floor load and flatness, available or expandable power, robust insulation and envelope integrity, and transport access that can support higher throughput. These factors help determine whether a retrofit, partial automation, or new build will deliver the strongest return.
Dematic has seen strong uptake of retrofitted automation in Australian cold chain environments, particularly among operators aiming to increase resilience without undertaking full-scale redevelopment.
Where the industry is heading
ANZ’s cold chain is facing ongoing demand growth at a time when infrastructure expansion is becoming more challenging. Capacity constraints, rising energy and other costs, and labour shortages are shaping day-to-day operating decisions across the sector.
Automation is a practical, flexible, and scalable solution to address these pressures. Whether through new builds, targeted retrofits, or shared multi-client facilities, automation is helping operators find capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve operational resilience.
As operators look to optimise new and existing assets and prepare for future demand, a measured and strategic approach to automation will play an increasingly central role in building a resilient cold chain across Australia and New Zealand.
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Grant Now Open
The NHVR is pleased to announce that the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) grant funding round is now officially open for applications.
Developed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and supported by the Australian Government, the HVSI program empowers industry-led solutions that improve safety, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate innovation across Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.
This year’s funding round places a strong emphasis on harnessing emerging technologies and forward‑thinking approaches. We’re encouraging projects that explore new digital tools, data-driven insights, automation, advanced safety systems, and other innovations that can transform the way the industry operates.
By working collaboratively with industry, government, and the community, we aim to unlock new opportunities for safer, smarter, and more sustainable heavy vehicle operations.
Funding is available for projects that aim to:
Enhance safety outcomes for heavy vehicle operators and road users
Harness new technologies and innovation
Build capability and knowledge across the sector
Deliver long-term benefits for the freight and logistics network
We’re calling on organisations across Australia – from industry associations and local councils to innovators, researchers, and technology-focused businesses – to bring forward bold, future‑ready ideas that will make a real difference.
Together, we can create safer roads, smarter practices, and a stronger, more innovative future for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.
Key Dates:
Applications open: 27 January 2026
Applications close: 16 March, 5pm
Assessment period: March – June 2026
Funding announcements by the Australian Government: From July/August 2026.
Attachments Included:
For queries about the program or application process, please contact grants@nhvr.gov.au to discuss.
CityPort Coldstores is officially complete and ready for occupation
A major milestone has been reached for Queensland’s cold chain infrastructure, with construction now complete at CityPort Coldstores, delivered by Modus Property Group.
CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development ever offered in Queensland, responding to growing demand for modern, scalable temperature-controlled facilities across food, pharmaceutical, and logistics supply chains.
A major milestone has been reached for Queensland’s cold chain infrastructure, with construction now complete at CityPort Coldstores, delivered by Modus Property Group.
CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development ever offered in Queensland, responding to growing demand for modern, scalable temperature-controlled facilities across food, pharmaceutical, and logistics supply chains.
The facility is available for immediate occupation, with flexibility to accommodate either a single large occupier or three subdivided tenancies starting from approximately 6,200 sqm.
Built for efficiency, scale, and margin performance
CityPort Coldstores has been designed with operational efficiency front of mind, offering a combination of freezer and chiller environments to support diverse cold chain requirements.
Key features include:
Best price per pallet in Southeast Queensland, supporting margin optimisation
Scalable storage suitable for seasonal peaks or long-term demand
Internal heights of approximately 11.5 metres, enabling high-density storage of up to seven pallets
Advanced temperature-controlled environments with a 50/50 freezer and chiller split
Six-metre-wide awnings for all-weather loading and unloading
29 dock levellers across three tenancies, supported by 15-metre-deep ante rooms
These design elements provide operators with the flexibility to scale, adapt, and optimise throughput without compromising compliance or efficiency.
Strategic TradeCoast location
Situated in the established industrial and logistics suburb of Morningside, CityPort Coldstores benefits from a prime TradeCoast location positioned between Brisbane’s CBD and the port.
The facility offers efficient access to key freight and logistics corridors, including:
Direct connectivity to the Port of Brisbane
Close proximity to Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports
Access via major arterial routes including Lytton Road, the Gateway Motorway, and the Port of Brisbane Motorway
Importantly for operators, the site is accessed via a B-Double approved heavy vehicle route, allowing direct access for larger prime movers and interstate refrigerated logistics operations.
For more details, reach out to David Gibson, Partner 0431 119 602 david@moduspg.au or Henry Devine, Manager, 0408 745 466 henry@moduspg.au.
Stonepeak launches Peregrine Cold Logistics: What it means for the future of the Asia–Pacific cold chain
A major development has emerged in the global cold chain landscape, with Stonepeak announcing the launch of Peregrine Cold Logistics, a new specialist platform set to expand temperature-controlled infrastructure across Asia Pacific and the Global Cold Chain.
A major development has emerged in the global cold chain landscape, with Stonepeak announcing the launch of Peregrine Cold Logistics, a new specialist platform set to expand temperature-controlled infrastructure across Asia Pacific and the Global Cold Chain.
Headquartered in Singapore, Peregrine plans to acquire, upgrade and develop cold storage and logistics assets across ASEAN, North Asia, and the Gulf region. Their first acquisition, Pinnacle Cold Storage in the Philippines, signals a strong growth pathway into markets where demand for high-quality food infrastructure continues to rise.
With a leadership team boasting more than 30 years of experience, Peregrine aims to lift operational standards, sustainability performance, and modern facility development. Their focus aligns with global trends RWTA members are actively navigating regarding food safety, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and capacity expansion.
It is notable that Jeff Hogarth, an RWTA Life Member and presently a Board member of the RWTA, is the CEO of Peregrine.
He commented that “Peregrine was founded with a clear mission: to redefine cold chain logistics across Asia Pacific and the GCC by delivering first-rate infrastructure, fostering strong local partnerships, and enabling the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of food and essential goods.
We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Stonepeak, a leading global infrastructure investor with deep cold chain expertise, a broad regional footprint, and proven platform-building experience.
As rising standards for food safety and quality continue to drive demand for modern, purpose-built facilities managed by experienced operators, Peregrine is exceptionally well positioned to become a regional leader – not only in scale, but in innovation, reliability, and sustainability.
Why this matters for RWTA members
Strengthens Australia’s strategic position within the broader Indo-Pacific cold chain
Provides insight into capital flows shaping the next generation of cold-chain assets
Highlights regional trends influencing investment, technology, and sustainability
Reinforces global collaboration and benchmarking opportunities for members
Demonstrates rising international demand for modern, purpose-built, compliant facilities
As global players expand in the region, opportunities for partnership, knowledge exchange and cross-market innovation will continue to grow supporting the resilience and competitiveness of Australia’s cold chain sector.
Extraordinary efficiency for new Melbourne cold storage facility
Building a giant cold store in Melbourne is a challenge, especially with potentially huge variations in ambient temperatures experienced during the Melbourne cool winters and hot summers, sometimes exceeding 40°C.
Building a giant cold store in Melbourne is a challenge, especially with potentially huge variations in ambient temperatures experienced during the Melbourne cool winters and hot summers, sometimes exceeding 40°C.
Under these conditions, it is essential for compressor systems, that can be responsible for up to 80% of the total plant power consumption, to be flexible and efficient.
Fortunately, the GEA Grasso V1800 reciprocating compressors are designed for just such a job.
The new Premier Melbourne Cold Storage facility, just 10 km from the city centre, provides 22,141 m2 of cold storage space including both frozen (-25°C) and chilled (+2°C) areas and a huge, 200m-long staging area for temporary storage under optimal conditions. Together they offer 230,000m3 of cold storage capacity. The GEA Grasso V1800, 10-cylinder reciprocating compressors at the heart of the plant, have excellent part-load performance and a wide Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) range for outstanding energy efficiency with minimal oil carry over ensuring evaporator performance is and remains at a premium.
Using ammonia (NH3) in a centralized, low charge refrigerating plant delivers PFAS-free, zero ODP, and zero GWP refrigeration performance with a predicted Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) of only 8-9 kWh·m-3·year-1, compared to typical averages of 20-40 kWh·m⁻³·year⁻¹- resulting in annual energy costs that are more than 50% lower than conventional cold stores.
Capital and operational costs have been reduced thanks to optimized infrastructure and extended service intervals, based on real-time compressor monitoring.
These improvements contribute to a lower total cost of ownership, while maintaining high levels of efficiency and reliability.
Once again, the Scantec Refrigeration Technologies team, together with GEA, has combined its expertise with leading engineering to deliver outstanding results.
How AGVs Are Reshaping Australia’s Refrigerated Warehouses
Tony Raggio, Dematic ANZ's Sales Manager AGVs talks about the new range, the benefits realised by Cold Storage facilities with AGVs, including reduced reliance on labour, increase operational visibility and control, improved safety and reduced product damage.
Dematic has implemented a number of Automated Guided systems (AGVs) in Cold Storage facilities in ANZ, and has just released a new range of models specifically aimed at brownfield sites.
Tony Raggio, Dematic ANZ's Sales Manager AGVs talks about the new range, the benefits realised by Cold Storage facilities with AGVs, including reduced reliance on labour, increase operational visibility and control, improved safety and reduced product damage. A critical question for those considering implementing AGVs, Tony also talks about integrating Dematic's AGV Manage+ warehouse control system into customers' WMS and ERP systems.
Get in touch with Tony to know more:
Tony Raggio
General Manager Sales – Mobile Automation ANZ
Dematic
M: 0403 222 697
Leading Global Cold Storage Provider Adopts Dematic Voice Technology ToTransform Warehouse Operations
Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation and voice technology solutions, has announced that a leading global cold storage provider has implemented its Dematic Voice solution at two key distribution centres.
Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation and voice technology solutions, has announced that a leading global cold storage provider has implemented its Dematic Voice solution at two key distribution centres. The rollout includes the customer’s Melbourne site, which is its largest distribution centre in the Southern Hemisphere, and its site in Adelaide, South Australia.
The company, a worldwide leader in temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, operates more than 450 facilities across 18 countries. Recognised for its critical role in the global food supply chain, the solution rollout follows a successful proof of concept at both locations, where Dematic Voice demonstrated its ability to improve operational efficiency, enhance user satisfaction, and address longstanding challenges. With features such as advanced voice recognition and gamified workflows, the solution streamlines processes across diverse operational environments.
“The feedback from our customer’s operations team was overwhelmingly positive,” says Robert Deane, Connect Workforce Solutions (CWS™) Sales Manager Southern Region & New Zealand at Dematic ANZ. “Operators were impressed by the system’s voice recognition capabilities and intuitive interface. One of the most common questions our customer received from their team was, ‘When can we start using this?’ The success of the proof of concept confirmed that Dematic Voice was the right choice.”
From challenges to solutions
Dematic Voice will replace a legacy system that was creating inefficiencies and operational challenges. The new solution introduces advanced features that increase productivity, streamline workflows, engage users, and improve accuracy.
“Our data shows that companies using voice technology as part of a broader warehouse optimisation strategy see productivity gains of 25–35% for case picking and piece picking,” says Deane. “This is especially important for facilities like our customer’s site in Melbourne, where operational scale requires extremely high efficiency.”
Scantec, Proven reduction of Energy Costs
During the 2025 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, Stefan Jensen highlighted how Scantec, using their expertise in industrial refrigeration, environment control and electronics to save thousands.
During the 2025 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, Stefan Jensen highlighted how Scantec, using their expertise in industrial refrigeration, environment control and electronics to save thousands.
Perth Golf Day
Record numbers in attendance, all armed with smiles and ready for a fabulous day on the green - see all the photos !
The RWTA had a golf day in Perth after a hiatus of many years, and it did not disappoint!
Record numbers in attendance, all armed with smiles and ready for a fabulous day on the green- see the photos below!
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Wealth at Work specialise in workplace mental health and deliver a range of training, education and consulting services to help your workplace become more mentally healthy.
Mental Wealth at Work specialise in workplace mental health and deliver a range of training, education and consulting services to help your workplace become more mentally healthy. Investing in their programmes shows your staff you genuinely care about their wellbeing, not just their output.
Mental Wealth at Work turns “mental health” from a tick-box exercise into a real competitive advantage for your business.
Their trainers give your people practical tools to spot the signs of struggle early and confidently step in with the right kind of support.
Their workshops are tailored to the cold chain industry, so the conversations feel real, relevant and immediately usable on the job.
Teams walk away more connected, more resilient and far better equipped to handle pressure, conflict and change.
Book your people in and start building a culture where it’s normal to speak up, support each other and actually thrive at work.
The first courses for 2026 are available to book below:
'Payday' superannuation changes to start 1 July 2026
The Commonwealth Parliament has recently passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 and the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025.
The Commonwealth Parliament has recently passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 and the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025.
The changes are intended to encourage employers to make superannuation guarantee contributions at the same time that they pay employees their wages.
More specifically, superannuation guarantee contributions will need to be received by an employee's complying superannuation fund and be able to be allocated to that employee's account within a specified period (usually seven business days) after the employer pays the employee their 'qualifying earnings'.
There are a range of circumstances in which a longer period applies. The new obligations are a change from the long-standing requirement for superannuation contributions to be paid quarterly.
Practically speaking, employers will best minimise their risks of having a superannuation guarantee charge assessed if they ensure contributions are made on payday.
The changes will commence on 1 July 2026.
We have organised an opportunity for Road Freight NSW Members to participate in a webinar co-presented by the Australian Industry Group and AustralianSuper on 2 December from 11.00am to Midday that will explain the changes and assist members to prepare to implement the new payday superannuation framework. Register using the above link, and please note, numbers are limited.
Click here for the:
‘Payday’ superannuation changes to start 1 July 2026 Circular Advice from Australian Industry Group for our members.
Revolutionising Cold Chain Efficiency: The Power of Experion’s Digital Transformation
See how Experion is redefining transport and warehouse operations through intelligent digitisation.
Step inside the future of logistics where innovation meets precision - see how Experion is redefining transport and warehouse operations through intelligent digitisation.
From real-time tracking to seamless automation, this is technology designed to make every movement smarter, faster, and more sustainable.
Don’t just move goods - move forward with Experion’s digital edge.
RWTA Victorian Golf Day, a swinging success!
It was a fantastic day on the green, with a record-breaking 111 players enjoying great golf and forging new business connections.
It was a fantastic day on the green, with a record-breaking 111 players enjoying great golf and forging new business connections.
Thank you again to our Sponsors!
A Cool New Era: Daniel Wilton Appointed CEO of Transport Refrigeration Services.
Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has announced the appointment of Daniel Wilton as its new Chief Executive Officer
Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has announced the appointment of Daniel Wilton as its new Chief Executive Officer - a move that signals strong leadership continuity and confidence in the company’s future. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to both people and performance, Daniel has been instrumental in TRS’s national growth and service excellence. Read more about his appointment and TRS’s next chapter of innovation and expansion.
Labourforce talks Flexible workforce options.
18 years supporting the Cold Chain, Labourforce talks Flexible workforce options.
During the 2025 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, Fleming Hansen took the opportunity to share insights about Labourforce’s impressive 18 years of dedicated support to the Cold Chain industry, highlighting their commitment to providing flexible workforce solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of the sector.
The hidden impact of safety footwear on your workforce
The Badger Team recently hosted a webinar with podiatrist and biomechanics expert Talysha Reeve that revealed how poor safety footwear design and fit quietly drives lower-limb injuries, absenteeism and productivity decline in warehousing and logistics.
The Badger Team recently hosted a webinar with podiatrist and biomechanics expert Talysha Reeve that revealed how poor safety footwear design and fit quietly drives lower-limb injuries, absenteeism and productivity decline in warehousing and logistics.
Check out the recording today - this is practical, actionable insight for any safety-conscious operations team.
For more information please contact:
Dwayne Devenish
Sales Director
1300 305 275
+61 481 906 437
Adelaide Chain of Responsibility Event
We were delighted to get together in Adelaide last week with our Member Expert, Chris Catchpole to discuss the Chain of Responsibility with Adelaide members.
We were delighted to get together in Adelaide last week with our Member Expert, Chris Catchpole to discuss the Chain of Responsibility with Adelaide members.
Did you know, we have online resources for you as well, check this out https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility
HVNL Reform Open For Consultation until 1st DEC 25
As part of the HVNL reform, heavy vehicle accreditation is transitioning from a prescriptive, compliance-based approach to a risk-based system focused on safety management.
As part of the HVNL reform, heavy vehicle accreditation is transitioning from a prescriptive, compliance-based approach to a risk-based system 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.
Complementing these, the NHVR has developed the National Audit Standard (NAS) to provide a consistent, impartial audit framework for SMS and ACA requirements.
The draft NAS, along with the Ministerial Guidelines and SMS Standard, is now open for public consultation until Monday, 1 December.
This is a critical opportunity for operators and industry stakeholders to provide feedback and help ensure the framework is clear, practical, and supports consistent, risk-based auditing that strengthens safety and compliance outcomes.
We invite you to:
Review the standards and guidelines
Share your feedback to help shape a safer, more efficient accreditation system.
You can find the consultation package and share your feedback through the NTC’s project webpage.
Your input is vital to shaping the future of heavy vehicle accreditation.