Inquiry – Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2025
On 26 August 2025, the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced into the Queensland Parliament by the Hon Brent Mickelberg MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads. The Bill, now under detailed review by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, seeks to implement recommendations from the National Transport Commission’s HVNL Review, endorsed by infrastructure and transport ministers.
The Bill introduces major reforms, including:
- A strengthened accreditation framework requiring operators to have Safety Management Systems.
- A new duty to be fit to drive, complementing fatigue laws.
- Simplified codes of practice overseen by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
- Modernised governance for the Regulator Board.
- Streamlined enforcement and proportionate penalties.
- Shifting prescriptive offences into regulations for greater flexibility.
Why this Inquiry Matters Beyond Queensland
Queensland is the host jurisdiction for the HVNL, meaning the law must be passed there before it can be adopted in other participating states and territories (NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS, SA). Unlike in Queensland, these states do not debate or amend the legislation in their own parliaments but adopt it as it stands.
This makes the Queensland inquiry critical for all participating jurisdictions. Experts and stakeholders from across Australia – not just Queensland – should provide submissions to ensure the legislation reflects the needs, challenges, and perspectives of the wider heavy vehicle and road safety community.
Members wishing to contribute to an ACRS submission are invited to email Dr Ingrid Johnston at ingrid.johnston@acrs.org.au no later than Thursday 11 September 2025.
Submissions close:
Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at 12:00pm