In the media
More coronavirus disruption in the offing for
ports
The likelihood of more coronavirus-linked disruption at
the nation's ports seems assured as the Maritime Union of
Australia digs it heels in over ships that have left Asian ports
less than 14 days ago (02 April 2020).
More...
Government announces COVID-19 airfreight rescue package
for fresh food exports, medical supply imports
The Australian Government has announced a new $110
million initiative to re-launch hundreds of flights to deliver
fresh produce to key international markets. The International
Freight Assistance Mechanism will initially focus on the key
markets of China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UAE, with
four key departure hubs: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth (01
April 2020).
More...
SAL: COVID-19: Shipping companies focus on protecting
crew health to keep freight moving
Shipping Australia urges all state and port authorities to
allow ships to berth on arrival and to discharge cargo, provided
that crew stay onboard and only briefly step onto the wharf to
carry out vital ship-related functions. Stay away periods of
14-days as imposed by the Port Authority of NSW, Maritime Safety
Queensland undermine the sustainability of shipping services into
Australia (02 April 2020).
More...
NHVR: Heavy vehicle safety remains a focus
Heavy vehicle operators are being urged to ensure their
operations remain safe as unprecedented demand puts pressure on
freight supply chains to avoid situations where drivers are being
forced to exceed their work and rest hours or ignore poor load
restraint practices (02 April 2020).
More...
Shipping Australia condemns rogue Union's refusal to
unload cargo vessel in Melbourne
Shipping Australia condemns the rogue action of the
Victorian branch of the Maritime Union of Australia who have
refused to unload a cargo vessel in Melbourne on the pretext of
utterly spurious health and safety claims (01 April 2020).
More...
BP update on facilities access for heavy vehicle
drivers
On 30 March it was confirmed by the government that
roadhouses, dedicated truck stop facilities and truck driver
lounges can remain open so Australia's heavy vehicle drivers
have access to showers, restrooms and facilities to undertake their
mandated fatigue management breaks (02 April 2020).
More...
Horne slams DP World cost hike on container
haulage
Victorian ports minister Melissa Horne has reacted with
irritation to stevedore DP World Australia's decision to make
adjustments and hikes to container access charges and penalties in
the midst of the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis (31 March 2020).
More...
Border controls and travel restrictions
Several state and territory Governments have put in place
border controls to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The border
control arrangements include mandatory 14 day isolation for people
crossing borders. As HVIA has indicated previously, these controls
do provide exemptions for essential services such as movement of
freight (27 March 2020).
More...
Deputy PM on freight services during pandemic
Federal Transport Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP
says the Government recognises and appreciates the heavy vehicle
industry's contribution and freight will continue across
borders (25 March 2020).
More...
NHVR reducing burden on industry accreditation
The NHVR has announced temporary changes to National Heavy
Vehicle Accreditation Scheme medical requirements and face-to-face
audit requirements, in response to the ongoing coronavirus
pandemic. Heavy vehicle drivers operating under Advanced Fatigue
Management or Basic Fatigue Management accreditations may continue
to drive with an expired driver medical, until they can practicably
obtain one (25 March 2020).
More...
Spirit of 1770 company fined for reckless
operation
The company which owned Spirit of 1770, a passenger vessel
that caught fire and burnt to the waterline with 42 paying
customers and four crew members on board while returning from a
voyage to Lady Musgrave Island on 11 May 2016, has been fined
$25,000 for reckless operation of a commercial vessel (23 March
2020).
More...
Amenity restrictions lifted from essential freight
permits
The NHVR has agreed to waive restrictions on all curfew
permits, except those related to safety and access, to move general
freight and grocery deliveries as part of the national response to
coronavirus (COVID-19). The arrangements are for all NHVR
participating jurisdictions and will be reviewed on 19 June 2020
(23 March 2020).
More...
HVIA: Industry staying open to support nation's
supply chain
The heavy vehicle industry is working hard to ensure that
the nation's supply chains continue with as few interruptions
as possible. State and Federal Governments have been working
closely with industry to keep our vital supply chain functioning.
The road freight industry is termed as an essential industry and is
therefore able to continue work, despite state shutdowns, including
continuing to work cross borders (23 March 2020).
More...
Published – articles, papers, reports
NHVR On the Road
Fortnightly newsletter providing important information on
the heavy vehicle industry, including the latest NHVR news and
events, relevant law and policy changes, and resources to help
industry members comply with the HVNL.
On The Road - Issue 81 - coronavirus special edition, 27 March
2020
On The Road - Issue 80 - coronavirus special edition, 25 March
2020
Practice and Regulation
NHVR: Supplementary record use to 30 days
From Wednesday April 1, drivers can use supplementary
records for up to 30 driver business days, compared to the current
seven day limit. A supplementary record can be in any format,
including copies of the
Daily Sheet downloaded from the NHVR website or other written
or electronic record. Drivers are still required to notify the NHVR (27 March 2020).
More...
NHVR: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response
The NHVR has undertaken a number of recent changes to
assist drivers during the coronavirus changes, including waiving
amenity restriction on all curfew permits and temporary changes to
the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme medical and
face-to-face audit requirements (updated 04 April 2020). More...
NHVR: Freight cross border restrictions
Several state and territory road managers have placed
restrictions on cross-border movements this week as a control
measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).Operators
should be aware that there may be some delays where border checks
are in place. A summary of information available to date from state
and territory governments can be found here (24 March 2020).
Transport and Infrastructure Council Communiqué,
25 March 2020
The Transport and Infrastructure Council convened to
discuss the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) affirmed the critical
role the freight sector plays in providing essential supplies of
food, medicine or other goods. Our freight and logistics sector
starts at the border via our maritime and aviation routes. This
includes recognition of the importance of all members of the
freight distribution chain, from drivers, pilots, and engineers and
others who support them.
More...
NATROAD: Point of delivery procedure guidelines during
COVID-19
Members who have undertaken risk assessments for COVID-19
have told us that the point of delivery is of concern. These
guidelines assist with procedures that could be followed to reduce
risk at point of delivery (02 April 2020).
More...
HVIA: ADR 38/05 – Trailer brake certification
– Evidence submission deadline
HVIA would like to remind members supplying brake kits or
Agents certifying brake kits, that that the deadline for conducting
and submitting your outstanding SARN applications, must be
submitted and approved by the 30th April 2020.
More...
NHVR: Feedback on future safety reforms across the
livestock supply chain
According to the Livestock Supply Chain Issues Paper, movement of
sheep and cattle makes up about four per cent of the national
freight task, but accounts for more than 10 per cent of accidents,
including a significant number of rollovers. Submissions to the
Livestock Supply Chain Review close on April 24, 2020. To respond
to the issues raised, visit the NHVR Consultation
page.
AWE Notice 48/2020 - COVID-19 – Import pathway -
Arrangements and response - Biosecurity inspections and
audits
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
– to all industry stakeholders involved in imports.
The department has received enquiries about how it is approaching
its staffing, regulatory and operational obligations to respond to
the COVID-19 situation. This document outlines the department's
approach (27 March 2020).
More...
Department of Agriculture – April 2020
Make sure you are aware of local requirements for travel
and freight: New South Wales;
Victoria; Queensland; South Australia; Western Australia; Tasmania; Australian Capital Territory; Northern Territory.
More...
SAL: Covid-19: Shipping requirements and restrictions at
Australian ports
This page is intended to provide a comprehensive summary
of the latest status of regulations that impact on shipping -
Restrictions on Commercial Maritime Vessels and Crew; maritime
industry; commercial vessels (27 March 2020).
More...
AMSA: February incident report
Ten serious incidents were reported to us during February
2020. There were 62 reported incidents involving domestic
commercial vessels in February 2020. Of these, 10 were serious (02
April 2020).
More...
AMSA: New requirements for vessels carrying
passengers
The new changes have been made through Marine order 504
(Certificates of operation and operation requirements –
national law) Amendment 2020. From the 31 May 2020, any domestic
commercial vessel that carries passengers must meet new
requirements for passenger safety. Make sure your safety management
system adequately addresses your passengers' safety.
More....
AMSA: Temporary revalidation requirements for
international certificates of competency
We have just published Marine notice 2/2020 - Extension of
standards of training certification and watchkeeping certificates.
The purpose of this marine notice is to advise flag States, port
States, vessel owners, operators, licenced pilots, masters and
crews about steps we have taken to extend the duration of some
certificates (27 March 2020).
More....
ASMA: YM Efficiency ATSB report and salvage update
Read the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's
(ATSB) report and download our presentation on the
response to date and overview of the salvage operations. We will
continue to publish information and resources about the YM
Efficiency salvage operation (30 March 2020).
More...
AMSA: Update on the YM Efficiency recovery
operation
Preparations are well underway to commence the clean-up
operations. We're continuing to make progress on the salvage of
YM Efficiency containers off the Newcastle-Port Stephens coast.
Read more about
our progress and the history of the operation (23 March
2020).
Senate: Consultations
Importance of a viable, safe, sustainable and efficient road
transport industry
Status: Submissions closed. Next Hearing: 22 November 2020.
Reporting Date: 14 October 2020
AIS: Transport and Logistics Industry Reference
Committee projects
The Case for Endorsement will be considered at the
Committee's first meeting in 2020.
TLI Chain of Responsibility
TLI Heavy Vehicle Driver Safety
TLI Freight Forwarding
Reminder: Anti-Slavery Act
The first reporting year for companies with the Australian
financial year is 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020 so businesses should
be aware of these obligations this year. More...
Cases
MHVR Enforceable Undertakings - Laing O'Rourke
Australia Construction Pty Ltd (LORAC)
Date accepted: 25 March 2020 Alleged breach: It was
alleged by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) that on 16 October
2018 and 24 May 2019 respectively LORAC failed to comply with the
mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle
National Law.
More...
Legislation
Commonwealth
Regulations
Australian
Meat and Live-stock Industry Legislation Amendment (Export of Sheep
by Sea to Middle East) Order 2020
03/04/2020 - This instrument amends the Australian Meat
and Live-stock Industry (Export of Sheep by Sea to Middle East)
Order 2018 (the Middle East Order) to provide that the Middle East
Order does not permit the export of a consignment of live sheep if
the export is prohibited by the Australian Meat and Live-stock
Industry (Prohibition of Export of Sheep by Sea to Middle East
– Northern Summer) Order 2020, and repeals the Australian
Meat and Live-stock Industry (Prohibition of Export of Sheep by Sea
to Middle East—Northern Summer) Order 2019.
Road
Vehicle Standards Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Rules
2020
03/04/2020 - This instrument amends the Road Vehicle
Standards Rules 2019 to provide for phased commencement of the
rules, to provide for the charging of application fees, and to
correct minor errors in the rules.
Australian
Meat and Live-stock Industry (Prohibition of Export of Sheep by Sea
to Middle East—Northern Summer) Order
2020
03/04/2020 - This instrument prohibits the export of live
sheep from Australia on a vessel travelling by sea between 1 June
and 14 September inclusive, if the intended voyage were to travel
through waters in the Arabian Sea, or the Red Sea, north of
latitude 11o N at any time during the voyage. This order further
prohibits the export of live sheep from Australia to Oman on a
vessel travelling by sea between 8 May and 14 September inclusive,
and from Australia to Qatar on a vessel travelling by sea between
22 May and 22 September inclusive.
Biosecurity
(Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic
Potential) (Essential Goods) Determination
2020
30/03/2020 - This instrument imposes requirements to
prohibit the practice of price gouging of prescribed essential
goods, and ensures that those who breach the relevant restrictions
surrender these goods to law enforcement (who will be required to
redistribute the surrendered goods to the National Medical
Stockpile, provided they are not deficient).
Customs
(Prohibited Exports) Amendment (COVID-19 Human Biosecurity
Emergency) Regulations 2020
29/03/2020 - These regulations amend the Customs
(Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 to implement a temporary
prohibition on the export of goods that are essential to preventing
the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The prohibition applies to the
exportation of goods including face masks and hand sanitizer, as
such export limits the availability of these goods for those with
the greatest need in Australia. A further aim of this export
prohibition is to dissuade consumers from engaging in widespread
bulk purchase for the purpose of export.
Gazetted 01 April 2020
National
Heavy Vehicle Law - New South Wales Higher Mass Limits Declaration
2020 (No.1)
Heavy
Vehicle National Law - National Heavy Vehicle Work Diary (COVID-19
Relief) Exemption Notice 2020 (No.1)
Gazetted 31 March 2020
Heavy
Vehicle National Law - Network Amendment Notices - Heavy Vehicle
Stated Maps - Amendment Notice 2020 (No.3)
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.