The Queensland based but national transport lobby association the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association has applauded the Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on his formal request for advice from the Productivity Commission on a comprehensive package of heavy vehicle productivity reforms, which the Association claims is an unprecedented move and demonstrates the focus on heavy vehicles is expanding beyond traditional portfolios.
The Treasurer sent a request in September, for advice from the Productivity Commission, on a comprehensive package of heavy vehicle productivity reforms.
The HVIA says that the Treasurer’s request is part of a broader pro-competitive reform under the Government’s National Competition Policy, and an assessment of economic impact, as well as its effect on GDP, national prosperity, industry productivity, employment and growth will be completed.
According to the HVIA the analysis and modelling will focus on areas including, increasing heavy vehicle road access to reduce emissions and increase productivity, accelerating the establishment of a National Automated Access System to streamline road access decision making for all heavy vehicles, accelerating implementation of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework, removing administrative and regulatory barriers to improve the availability of HZEV charging infrastructure; and reducing or removing curfews for HZEVs.
The HVIA said that this is an important development, and much of what the Treasurer is requesting aligns with calls that it has made in previous submissions and to the transport minister and relevant Departments.
The HVIA said that its members may recall that the Productivity Commission echoed its advocacy position that the transition to net zero for heavy vehicles must include incentives.
The Association said that in addition, it has also made previous submissions to various state transport bodies calling for increased heavy vehicle road access, asking road managers to “sweat the assets” that they manage, whilst maintaining safety.
The HVIA says that the Productivity Commission will now consult widely, including with all levels of government and its interim report is due by 31 March 2026, with the final report expected by 30 June 2026
HVIA says it will engage in the process, and interested members should reach out to its chief advocacy officer, Adele Lausberg at a.lausberg@hvia.asn.a
