ALRTA Weekly Update: June 27

bp plus business bonus offer 1 February - 31 July 2025

This week’s edition comes with a refreshed format and expanded content, delivering valuable insights and practical updates direct to your inbox.

We’re especially pleased to welcome Belinda Hughes, former Director of Prosecutions at the NHVR, into the ALRTA network. Belinda brings a wealth of experience and a sharp legal perspective that will support our members in understanding regulatory expectations and navigating compliance. Please join us in making her feel welcome as she shares her insights with the ALRTA community.

The Red Flags That Attract NHVR Attention — From the Former Director of Prosecutions

By Hughes Law | June 2025

Summary:
Ever wondered what really puts you on the Regulator’s radar? Discover the most common compliance traps and what ‘reasonably practicable’ means — straight from someone who used to lead the prosecutions.

Article:
When I was Director of Prosecutions at the NHVR, I regularly spoke with operators — big and small. A common theme emerged:

“We’re a good operator. We want to do the right thing… but we’re not exactly sure what we need to do.”

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) can seem complex — but staying compliant doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t expect you to eliminate every risk, but it does require you to identify risks and take steps that are reasonably practicable to manage them.

What does ‘reasonably practicable’ mean?
The law recognises that what's reasonable for a large operator may not be realistic for a smaller one. Factors considered include:

- The likelihood of the risk
- The potential harm involved
- What you know (or should know) about the risk
- The availability and suitability of ways to manage it
- The cost involved

In simple terms: if there’s a clear risk of death or serious injury and a low-cost way to manage it — failing to act could be seen as non-compliance.

Small operators may meet obligations by simply showing the steps they’ve taken — even if not formally documented. Larger operators, however, will be expected to have more structured, documented, and enforced systems.

Key Red Flags that can attract the Regulator's attention:
1. “Shelf Systems”
Policies and procedures that look good on paper but aren’t followed in practice. If the Regulator sees a system that isn’t being used, it may suggest you knew the risk and how to manage it — but didn’t.

2. No Driver Induction
Every driver should receive a basic induction. It’s a simple, low-cost step that allows you to check licences, assess experience, and explain vehicle features.

3. Poor Record Keeping
You're not expected to record everything — but for maintenance and fitness-for-duty matters, documentation is key. Maintenance schedules should follow manufacturer guidelines, and known issues must be repaired. Repeated breaches, particularly fatigue-related, will raise serious concerns.

If you’re unsure about your obligations under the HVNL, or need support with Chain of Responsibility, compliance or court matters, I can help.
info@hugheslaw.com.au
0422 388 370

Braking Habits Webinar — A major success

A big thank you to everyone who attended our Braking Habits webinar yesterday. Over 80 participants tuned in for a timely and practical session.

Adam Gibson, Transport Risk Engineer at NTI Insurance, and Athol Carter, Frasers
Livestock Transport, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the evolution of
EBS braking systems in the livestock and rural freight industry.

They covered:
- How EBS helps drivers understand vehicle stability,
- The role of EBS data in driver training,
- The challenges of running mixed fleets (as Athol put it: “Smart equipment with
dumb equipment”),
- Wiring issues, voltage mismatches, and a widespread lack of technical
understanding of the systems.

The session underscored the need for better education — not just for operators, but also manufacturers and maintenance providers.
It’s encouraging to hear strong support from operators already embracing EBS. What was once a system the industry resisted has become a cornerstone of safer practice.

As the research winds down, the real work begins. Our new PBS Committee will explore these insights further — bringing together transport, engineering, research and regulatory voices.

Access flyers, case studies and more at alrta.org.au/braking-habits

Reminder: 1 in 50 truck rollovers results in a fatality. Let’s work together to change that.

Fuel Price Alert – Gulf Region Tensions Rising

Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the Gulf are fuelling oil market volatility. Brent crude prices have spiked, and flow-on effects to fuel prices are expected.

Please check in with your suppliers and monitor pricing closely. Staying proactive now could mean significant savings in the weeks ahead.

Until next week — stay safe.

Anthony
Together, we are stronger.

Save the dates for 2025

• LRTAV State Conference. 8-9 August 2025, Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC - MORE INFO HERE  
• LRTAWA State Conference.  22-23 August, 2025. The Vines Resort, Swan Valley - MORE INFO HERE

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