Master Code of Practice open for feedback - NHVR

Master Code of Practice Open for Feedback – NHVR

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has undertaken an extensive review of the Master Code of Practice to strengthen heavy vehicle safety standards across the transport industry.

NHVR welcomes feedback from industry stakeholders on the current version, giving transport professionals a direct say in shaping national safety controls for years to come.

What Is the Master Code of Practice?

The Master Code is a heavy vehicle code of practice registered in 2018. It was developed by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) in partnership with the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) and other industry stakeholders, forming a foundation for compliance across transport activities nationwide.

This code supports operators, drivers and businesses by outlining clear expectations for managing risks associated with heavy vehicle operations, giving the transport sector a consistent safety benchmark to work from.

Why the Review Matters for Industry

NHVR Director Regulatory Standards and Policy Paul Daly said the review provides an opportunity for industry to share feedback on a wide range of issues affecting daily transport activities.

“We invite industry to provide feedback for the current version and comment on whether the hazards, risks and controls in the code are still relevant, or to suggest new issues, safety methods or techniques,” said Mr Daly.

This consultation process reflects a broader commitment to safety standards that keep pace with evolving industry conditions, technology and operational demands within the heavy vehicle sector.

How Industry Can Get Involved

NHVR invites transport businesses, drivers, associations and safety professionals to participate in this review. Feedback gathered will help determine whether existing controls remain fit for purpose or require updates to better support compliance across the industry.

Stakeholders are encouraged to consider:

• Whether current hazards and risks identified in the code still reflect real-world heavy vehicle operations
• New safety methods or techniques that could improve outcomes for the transport industry
• Gaps in existing controls that may need strengthening to support ongoing compliance

NHVR seeks public feedback on crane industry code of practice in a similar consultation, highlighting the regulator's ongoing effort to keep safety standards current across multiple sectors.

Likewise, NHVR is seeking feedback on a draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice, demonstrating a consistent approach to engaging industry voices before finalising updated guidance documents.

Supporting Broader Safety Compliance

Reviewing codes like this one supports a wider culture of accountability across construction, manufacturing and other sectors reliant on heavy vehicle transport for daily operations.

Businesses looking to strengthen their own safety documentation may also find value in reviewing updates such as the Silica Dust Code of Practice Update or the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice Update, both of which support compliance efforts through practical guidance.

Industry codes covering related activities, such as the proposed Wine Industry Code of Practice, further illustrate how sector-specific standards continue to evolve alongside changing operational risks.

Additional Resources for Safety Professionals

Organisations managing broader workplace safety obligations may benefit from supporting documentation such as Mental Health Policies and Plans or standard procedures like the SOP for Equipment Maintenance, which help support day-to-day compliance activities beyond heavy vehicle operations.

For businesses operating across borders, the HSW Approved Codes of Practice Register for New Zealand offers a useful reference point for comparing safety standards internationally.

Read more here.