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Outgoing NHVR CEO discusses industry’s path forward

Before he farewells the industry this week, Sal Petroccitto discusses what’s on the regulator’s agenda for the transport industry in 2025 and beyond

As the holiday season wraps up and we look back on the year that was, it’s important that we take the time to reflect on our collective achievements. 2024 was a particularly special year for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), marking 10 years since we commenced our journey to become a single national regulator. I am proud of all we have achieved in the past year and would like to touch on a few significant milestones that I know will have long-lasting benefits for our industry.

The end of a 10-year journey

Our organisation has matured alongside the nation’s heavy vehicle industry, and our evolution to become Australia’s single national regulator received a boost with Queensland transitioning in April 2024. This was a significant accomplishment for the NHVR and the heavy vehicle industry, enabling us to deliver borderless and consistent regulation and enforcement in participating jurisdictions across the country, delivering the same compliance experience for industry, regardless of where we operate.

Safer drivers, safer roads

Improving safety on Australia’s roads remains a priority and last year we conducted 67 safety operations across our participating jurisdictions to help drivers understand their Heavy Vehicle National Law obligations. For example, in October the NHVR conducted a week-long operation across Queensland with a focus on heavy vehicles used to transport livestock. The operation helped boost the livestock industry’s understanding of its safety obligations, with close to 500 heavy vehicle units inspected and more than 50 education sessions held. NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) focused their compliance efforts on major travel routes, feedlots and saleyards.

In July we launched the National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) to improve the mechanical condition of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet. SCOs, police and other authorised officers conducted more than 9,000 visual and mechanical inspections to identify existing and emerging risk trends. The results of the NRS will be compared to previous surveys to determine where we are making improvements in vehicle safety and where we can focus more attention.

We also delivered new iterations of our Don’t #uck With A Truck and We All Need Space road safety campaigns. The new phase of We All Need Space was launched in April, focused on simple tips motorists should know when driving around buses. In October, we launched the third phase of our Don’t #uck With A Truck campaign, where we worked alongside young drivers to co-design the new phase of the campaign: Being Dead is Boring. We leaned into social media trends to shake up the traditional road safety narrative to better resonate with young audiences.

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A customer-service driven regulator

I am proud of the NHVR’s customer-focused approach to service delivery continued to be at the forefront of all our work last year, providing practical benefits for all road users. In our third straight win, the NHVR was awarded the ‘Service Champion’ award for Customer Service Organisation of the Year – Government/Not for Profit. This highlighted our service excellence and commitment to our customers.

Our contact centre member Brad Mells was also awarded the Service Champion award for Customer Service Leader of the Year – recognising the superior customer service that Brad and the team provide to our callers every day.

Finally, it was truly humbling to be the Winner of the Customer Service Executive of the Year. This award reflects the efforts of everyone at the NHVR in our commitment to putting our customers first in everything we do.

Embracing data and technology

In 2024, we continued to improve our data and technology offerings, with a particular focus on the NHVR Portal. We’re committed to providing all regulatory services through the Portal, and it’s constantly evolving to deliver a more seamless experience for customers. The National Network Map also continued to evolve with refined data and features, creating a single authoritative location for industry to plan journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet. Further enhancements to the National Network Map are planned for the coming year, including an integrated route planner, to improve and simplify how the industry accesses Australia’s road network.

The NHVR continued to invest in cutting-edge technologies last year, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These devices are used by SCOs to detect and interrupt high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices by heavy vehicles and increase efficiency for compliant drivers. The cameras have been deployed in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland, and will soon be rolled out in New South Wales.

Supporting industry-led projects

Through our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program, we were able to continue supporting implementable, value-for-money projects that deliver tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety. With the support of the federal government, $3.9 million was invested in 16 safety projects through Round 9 of the program.

Submissions for Round 10 of the program opened in November, and I’d encourage any group or individual involved in Australia’s heavy vehicle industry or the wider supply chain that has a project or campaign that will increase compliance and promote safety, to apply.

CEO farewell

As you know, January marks my final month with the NHVR. My journey with you all has been incredibly rewarding, and the best part of my job was getting to meet and learn about the many remarkable and passionate people across our country who work so hard in one of the toughest industries. I look forward to seeing the NHVR continue making an impact into the future and ensure safer heavy vehicle movements across Australia.

Stay safe.

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