A review of the chain of responsibility duties provides an opportunity for the transport industry to have a say in how these laws could be improved and encourage safer behaviour on our roads, says the NTC.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a discussion paper as part of its review of the chain of responsibility (CoR) duties in the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Acting CEO of the NTC Michelle Hendy said the Transport and Infrastructure Ministerial Council established an independent taskforce in 2013 to further review CoR duties.
“The taskforce completed its broad review of CoR in June and found that CoR is working, but that the NTC should consider opportunities to improve the regime,” Ms Hendy said.
“This discussion paper is part of the review and is designed to stimulate public debate about what needs improving, and how that improvement might best be achieved.”
The discussion paper outlines a number of issues with the current CoR regime, which stakeholders have identified through previous consultations. These include whether it allows for an integrated and proactive approach to road safety, concerns about the clarity of the law, and whether all appropriate parties are covered.
The paper also details a number of options for improving the regime, such as the potential inclusion of a principal duty of care or further specific duties on supply chain parties.
“We’re looking to industry, road and enforcement agencies and other interested parties to consider the reform options in the paper, and to tell us what they think is the best way forward for CoR,” Ms Hendy said.
“We’re also looking beyond the road transport industry for feedback on this issue. Farmers, retailers, mining and construction companies rely on heavy vehicles and could have an interest in any changes to the chain of responsibility obligations. We invite participation from these areas, too.
“From here more work will be done to find the best way forward, including any changes to the national law. This approach will then be reported to ministers in May 2015,” Ms Hendy said.
“We want to improve the CoR regime, make it easier for Australia’s transport industry to understand their obligations, comply with the laws and ultimately make sure heavy vehicle movements are effective, safe and legal.”
The NTC will receive submissions on the discussion paper until 30 January 2015.