New NHVR CEO says systems were unsatisfactory and non-existent in some cases when the agency began operating.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) new CEO has ruled out “big bang” approaches when dealing with its workload.
Sal Petroccitto, who replaced Richard Hancock in the top job, says he would not have gone live with process permits applications at the same time across the country.
Petroccitto says he wants to work collaboratively with the industry and local government in getting it right.
“Our systems and administrative processes were not satisfactory and in some case non-existent,” Petroccitto says.
“The decision to go live and do all states at one time was probably not a decision I would have supported and we understand the implications of what happened with that big bang approach.
“I can assure you there won’t be any big bang approach.”
Petroccitto, who made the comments at the Victorian Transport Association’s (VTA) state conference, says councils were probably underprepared and overwhelmed by the volume of permit applications.
“What has become evident is that there were significant amount of movements occurring on local government roads than anyone was probably aware of,” he adds.
“You’re probably asking why do I bother taking on the job – there were also other issues around our own business processes, training, systems, governance and clearly what has become evident is that more targeted engagement should have occurred, particularly with the local government and certain parts of the industry.
“The analysis was quite confronting and the organisation has swallowed that bitter pill. Rather than sitting around we decided to get things back on track.”
Describing himself as an approachable character, Petroccitto says the agency will allow a year to get its systems right.
“If we can do that sooner we will but we don’t intend to rush to any quick solution that will fail again,” he says.
“I have a view that there won’t be a third CEO of the NHVR and my staff have been made aware of that. I’m sure most of you would agree that we need to take a balanced approach to how that mediation works.”