Media Release

Today marked an historical moment in the Heavy Vehicle Industry in Australia, with the introduction into the Queensland Legislative Assembly of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Bill by Transport and Multicultural Affairs Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk MP. 

When enacted in early 2012, the legislation will pave the way for a major reform process that will transform regulation of the heavy vehicle industry in Australia, under a national regulator starting on the 1st of January 2013.

It is envisaged that when passed by all jurisdictions, it will help ensure a safer and more productive heavy vehicle industry. Whilst this will provide consistency in cross border operations, I need time to digest the Bill to ascertain the benefits if any for the Bus and Coach Industry, said David Tape, Executive Director of the Queensland Bus Industry Council. 

I am concerned that this may be a one size fits all approach that may indeed have benefits for the Trucking industry, but one which may hamper efficiencies and innovation in the Bus and Coach industry, Mr Tape said. 

Our industry is already heavily regulated through compliance audits, accreditation and fatigue management, this must not be another layer of bureaucratic red tape which will only serve to stifle our industry, concluded Mr Tape. 

Media contact: David Tape (07) 3397 1700 or 0407 002 970