Ministers back NHVR progress

The immediate future of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has been assured, with transport ministers across Australia recently reaffirming their commitment to the body at a recent Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting.

At the meeting, held on Friday, May 22, ministers pledged their on-going support for and financial commitment to the NHVR, also endorsing the latter's corporate plan for the next 12 months.

The New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Duncan Gay, said the NHVR has been making solid progress in streamlining the nation's heavy-vehicle environment.

"It is vital we continue to support the coordination of heavy-vehicle access across borders to meet the growing freight task facing our nation in the coming years," he said.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, Jackie Trad, said the NHVR has made significant gains under Chief Executive Sal Petroccitto, and that the body in on track in meeting its objectives.

NHVR Chairman, Bruce Baird, said TIC's endorsement of the Regulator's funding and corporate plan is a clear demonstration of the ministers' ongoing support.

"This endorsement speaks volumes for the work being achieved and the results realised for our stakeholders," he said.

"On behalf of the Board I want to thank Council members for their confidence in the work of the NHVR.

"The NHVR will continue to build on its turnaround efforts to date. The NHVR is determined to make the changes required to get this right for the benefit of all involved.

"We will continue to drive regulatory reform to reduce the burden of red tape for industry and strive to provide certainty through greater harmonisation across the road network.

"With strong support from the heavy vehicle sector and our government partners, we are well placed to deliver outcomes and produce results."