Compliance cost monitoring needs to include design and manufacturing regulations governed by the Road Vehicle Standards Act.
HVIA CEO Todd Hacking gave evidence to the Productivity Commission’s public hearing into National Transport Regulatory Reform in Brisbane on Friday, explaining why monitoring should move beyond the on-road and in-service costs currently underpinned by the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“Monitoring the cost of compliance is good for industry as it ensures there is an evidence base to argue for removing red and green tape," Mr Hacking said.
"It is also a transparent way to ensure regulatory agencies are kept accountable."
Mr Hacking said he was concerned that the report’s recommendations were missing the compliance costs imposed on the design and manufacture of heavy vehicles – making it harder to advocate for reform.
"Sensible regulation is necessary but there are many instances of over-reach and of regulation for regulation-sake.
"HVIA is constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce these burdens on industry and we hope this will allow us to do that.
"Just because it is costs governed by a different Act or a different department it still adds to the costs of putting a heavy vehicle on the road,” he said.
Mr Hacking was also there to support the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to overhaul the ADRs for a more effective, streamlined approach.
“The ADRs are outdated, difficult to change and haven’t kept pace with the industry’s thirst for advancement," he said.
"They do not encourage investment and don’t incentivise technology and innovation.
"This needs to change to ensure improved safety and productivity measures are adopted.”
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