In the media

Investigation into the loss of containers overboard from YM Efficiency
The investigation into the loss of containers overboard from YM Efficiency, off Newcastle in NSW on 1 June 2018 is continuing. Shortly after the occurrence, AMSA issued Marine Notice 03/2018 to remind vessel owners, operators and masters of the need to stow and secure cargo containers in accordance with approved arrangements (31 May 2019). More...

Seafarers at risk because the regulator is drowning in paperwork, submission reveals
Maritime safety standards in Australia are compromised and putting lives at risk because the peak regulator is too busy "processing paperwork" and not checking unsafe vessels, a new report by an international marine organisation alleges (30 May 2019). More...

Move forms part of National Services Transition Project
The ACT government general regulatory service is about to relinquish its heavy vehicle on-road compliance and enforcement services, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reports. The NHVR's safety and compliance officers will be authorised to stop heavy vehicles to check compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), driver licences, registrations and road rules (29 May 2019). More...

Industry welcomes focus on freight in new ministry
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has congratulated Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his decision to incorporate freight transport as a specific responsibility in his ministerial line-up. It is significant that freight transport is now a specific portfolio title within the ministry, and highlights that enhanced supply chain performance will be a priority for the re-elected Coalition Government (28 May 2019). More...

NHVR roundtable identifies common truck fire issues
The NHVR says it will release a series of industry bulletins following the first heavy vehicle fire round table meeting in Brisbane last week (28 May 2019). More...

Published – articles, papers, reports

AMSA Update, May 2019
This issue includes under What's New: Vessel Traffic Service Compliance and Enforcement Policy; Report unsafe vessels; Complaints page. More...

NTC On the Road – Issue 60, 27 May 2019
On the Road provides important information on the heavy vehicle industry, including the latest NHVR news and events, relevant law and policy changes, and resources to help industry members comply with the HVNL. More...

In practice and courts

NTC: National Heavy Vehicle Law review issues paper 2
The National Transport Commission has begun its review of the National Heavy Vehicle Law. The Commission is inviting stakeholders to provide their views on the law until February 2020. The second issues paper has now been published, focusing on fatigue management. Feedback is due by 16 August 2019 (20 May 2019). More...

Performance Based Standards – An Introduction for Road Managers
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has released the latest version of Performance Based Standards (PBS) – An Introduction for Road Managers. The guide is intended to provide road managers with a greater understanding of the performance-based standards scheme and to assist them in assessing requests for network access to innovative and safer vehicles.

AMSA: Safety workshop
MIAL's first safety workshop for the domestic commercial vessel sector will be held in Brisbane on 13 June. The one-day course is free to members and $45 for non-members with topics covering safe operations, compliance and a panel session with partners including AMSA. More...

AFIF: Biosecurity Levy Update - Revised start date 1 September 2019
The Government has announced a delay with a new start date of 1 September 2019 and a consequent small loss of revenue associated with a later start date. More...

Legislation

Commonwealth

Marine Order 44 (Safe containers) 2019
30/05/2019 - This order replaces the Marine Order 44 (Safe containers) 2002 to give effect to the International Convention for Safe Containers 1972 and to make provision for offshore containers.

Gazetted

Heavy Vehicle National Law - Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Amendment Notice 2019 (No.7)
The purpose of this Notice is to amend stated maps for vehicles at the request of road managers.
The amendments take effect 28 days after publication of Amendment Notice 2019 (No.7). This Notice applies in all participating jurisdictions.

Heavy Vehicle National Law - National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.2)
This Notice revokes and replaces the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1). This Notice only applies to agricultural vehicles and agricultural combinations which include a heavy vehicle in Victoria. A vehicle is a heavy vehicle if it has a GVM or ATM of more than 4.5t.

Queensland

Queensland Parliament

Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2019
This Bill will amend the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 to implement national agreed reforms or necessary amendments to make consequential amendments arising from the enactment of Road Vehicle Standards Act (Cth), improve consistency between vehicle defect notices and self-clearing defect notices, enable the recognition of heavy vehicle modifications approved in nonparticipating jurisdictions, amend the functions of the Regulator, provide additional access for semitrailers to road networks and ensure consistent treatment of PBS scheme vehicles travelling off route.

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.