Moving livestock made easier

New National Operation Advice (NOA) from the NHVR will remove the requirement to include registration numbers from Class 3 Livestock Vehicle permits.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the NOA would be implemented from December 1 2020, following advocacy from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association (ALRTA).

"Current provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law require that permits for Class 3 vehicles must include a description of the vehicle and a registration number," Mr Buchholz said.

"However, it is common practice for farmers who have Class 3 permits to use a third-party operator to carry their livestock.

"Previously, if the permitted vehicle isn’t available at the right time, farmers needed to obtain a new permit, slowing down their ability to move livestock in a safe, timely manner.

"This simple change will cut this red tape, improving efficiency and animal welfare outcomes, without compromising on safety."

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR was committed to working with the industry to improve efficiency and safety in the industry.

“This outcome has been driven by a partnership between the NHVR and the ALRTA, working together to improve things for our farmers,” Mr Petroccitto said.

"Farmers will now only need the permit to reflect the kind of vehicle, not the specific registration.

ALRTA National President Scott McDonald welcomed the announcement.

"The livestock market is highly dynamic. Prices are constantly changing in response to seasonal conditions and regional supply and demand balances. Decisions to buy or sell livestock are often made at short notice to take advantage of new opportunities," Mr McDonald said.

"That means decisions to move livestock are also made at short notice.

"However, farmers can’t be expected to know vehicle registration details in advance of engaging a commercial livestock carrier and so have not been able to pre-apply for Class 3 permits.

"Removal of the vehicle registration requirement will give farmers greater certainty, more choice and access to lower cost transport options.

"Carriers can immediately accept jobs without the red tape and delay of having to apply for their own permit.

"ALRTA warmly welcomes this change and I thank Assistant Minister Buchholz and the NHVR for recognising the potential benefits and driving ALRTA’s request forward in negotiations with all participating jurisdictions."

More information is available here.