National heavy vehicle safety program gets funding boost

National Heavy Vehicle Safety Program Gets Funding Boost

The federal government will invest $4 million into projects that improve heavy vehicle safety through Round 8 of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program. This funding pool supports industry-led road safety projects across the transport sector.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto said, "It's about investing in the initiatives that will ensure the heavy vehicle industry continues to move safely, now and into the future."

Why This Funding Matters for Transport Operators

Heavy vehicle transport underpins supply chains right across Australia, so maintaining rigorous safety standards within this sector protects both operators and the wider community. Previous rounds have shown that targeted investment can directly reduce incidents affecting national transport corridors.

Businesses managing fleets should also review their Chain of Responsibilities Management Plan to ensure compliance obligations align with current transport safety standards.

Submission Details

NHVR is now inviting submissions for Round 8 of the HVSI program. Applicants should note the following:

• Submissions are open until Monday, 20 February 2023.
• Funding targets projects that strengthen heavy vehicle safety outcomes nationally.
• Fourteen initiatives have received funding in previous rounds, demonstrating strong industry engagement with this national program.

For more information on the HVSI program, click here.

Supporting Safer Transport Operations

Alongside national funding initiatives, operators can strengthen day-to-day safety through practical resources such as a Tyre Changing Heavy Vehicles SWMS, which addresses a common maintenance task with clear risk controls. Fleet health and vehicle condition checks remain essential pillars of any comprehensive transport safety plan.

Operators seeking broader compliance support may also benefit from a dedicated Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Module, which helps businesses meet obligations under national heavy vehicle law while safeguarding driver and public health.

This latest round follows on from earlier initiatives, including the funding boost for heavy vehicle safety projects and the $3.5 million funding boost allocated to similar safety projects, reflecting sustained national commitment to reducing risk across the transport industry.