ATA Technical and Maintenance Conference Paul Retter, Chief Executive and Commissioner National Transport Commission Sal Petroccitto, Chief Executive Officer National Heavy Vehicle Regulator 29 October 2014

Review of Heavy Vehicle Roadworthiness Program Clear reason for program – reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on roads and improve community confidence in heavy vehicle safety Core priority for NTC and NHVR Ensure policy and regulations are effective and practical

Working with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Two streams of work: A review of heavy vehicle roadworthiness inspection systems A review of the national heavy vehicle accreditation scheme (NHVAS)

What’s happened so far? Phase 1 Report released July 2014 Examined current system and practices Phase 2 Report released August 2014 Identified opportunities to improve system Asked for submissions, which closed 26 September. Phase 3 Develop proposals for public consultation as part of Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) – Finalise RIS December 2014 – Release RIS for public consultation mid January – mid March 2015

Problems Identified Unacceptable crash outcomes Too many defects in heavy vehicle fleet Inconsistent procedures across Australia Variable interpretation of requirements Incompatible data collection

Roadworthiness Issues When first registered, a vehicle can be assumed to be roadworthy Vehicles and their components wear out - different rates for different parts Need to manage risk factors that lead to defects – age, use, location, how the vehicle is loaded, how the vehicle is driven How to manage the risk that normal wear may lead to a defective vehicle being used on road

“Bow tie” roadworthiness model

What we found Four broad categories: 1.Accreditation – NHVAS improvements 2.Roadworthiness Measures 3.Inspection Measures 4.Chain of Responsibility Measures

Accreditation National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme - Review Identified changes: deliver risk-based roadworthiness assurances increase operator participation provide regulatory benefits to operators in the maintenance management without compromising safety Proposed improvements: Design of the NHVAS system Audit governance and operations Focuses on Maintenance Management platform for future reviews of Mass and BFM/AFM modules

Operational Audit System Improvements Clarify NHVR procedures to manage accreditation audit system Criteria to approve an auditor’s appointment and transitional provisions for currently approved auditors ‘Compliance Rules’ conflict of interest auditor performance standards and sanctions grounds for suspension/removal from NHVAS Process to allocate auditors to operators and for auditors to provide their reports to NHVR. Independent Audit Framework changes to improve: audit evidence standards reporting and record keeping management of CARs to improve auditor accountability

NHVAS Auditor Competencies Raise Auditor Competency and Certification Standards Certification in HV accreditation auditing (and Lead Auditor) from an accredited body Relevant technical competencies recognised under the Australian Qualifications and Training Framework (AQTF) Transitional provisions apply to existing auditors

Regulatory Changes – Impact on Business Rules Criteria for making accreditation mandatory for some ? Clarify how the scheme applies to third parties Regulatory benefits attached to maintenance management accreditation –i.e. audit frequency and proportion of fleet, selection of vehicles to be subject to audit.

Maintenance Management Standards and Guidance Revise Maintenance Management Standards to follow the steps needed for a planned, risk management approach plan, do, check, act Revise Maintenance Management Accreditation Guide to explain steps involved in a useful safety/risk management system

Roadworthiness Measures A more effective national roadworthiness system will involve: Consistent standards and operational procedures Making use of accreditation systems that embed robust governance Key legislative provisions that are practical and implementable Ensuring that costs to industry and governments are minimised

Roadworthiness Measures Clearer process to classify a vehicle as roadworthy National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual Transparent process to determine what constitutes a defect Formal warnings should be used National criteria to be followed when issuing defect notices or formal warnings National criteria for “clearing” vehicles issued with a defect notice Standard training/qualifications – authorised officers and third party inspectors

Roadworthiness Measures Better information, education, training (industry and regulators) Develop a nationally consistent network and fleet monitoring strategy

Inspection Measures Develop an agreed national consistent approach to when/if periodic inspections are to occur. Nationally consistent inspection requirements (including an agreed list of items to check, inspection methodology and technology to use) Nationally consistent competency standards for heavy vehicle inspectors (both government and private sector inspectors) A nationally consistent approach to managing and clearing heavy vehicle defects in a timely manner make provision for scheduled inspections, either at a default interval (such as annual inspections) or more or less frequently, either based on determinations of risk or triggering events

Chain of Responsibility Measures Broad in-principle support for extending CoR to vehicle standards and roadworthiness Many agree existing provisions inadequate Nearly all supported capturing parties that make budgeting decisions about maintenance. insert a chain of responsibility duty for responsible parties to maintain a heavy vehicle in a roadworthy condition

Next Steps November 2014 – NTC brief Transport Ministers on potential changes. January 2015 – release draft Regulatory Impact Statement for public consultation. July 2015 – provide final recommendations to Transport Ministers.

The National Transport Commission leads regulatory and operational reform nationally to meet the needs of transport users and the broader community for safe, efficient and sustainable land transport. The NHVR administers one set of laws for heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, delivering a comprehensive range of services under a consistent regulatory framework. Updates on this program will be posted on NTC & NHVR websites: Thank you