Truckies and operators can now have their say on proposed changes to a revised draft of the Industry Code of Practice, also known as the Master Code.

Key changes include a transition from a role-based structure to an activity-based approach, focusing on risks associated with transport activities rather than specific job titles, and moving beyond the original focus areas like speed and fatigue.

Peter Austin, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Director of Policy Implementation, said the Master Code is an essential safety tool for everyone in the Chain of Responsibility, so ensuring it remains current is important.

“This review represents a significant opportunity to build on the Master Code’s existing content to produce a revised version that will serve as an even better information resource for parties in the Chain of Responsibility and their executives to manage transport safety,” Austin said.

“The success of this update depends on broad input from stakeholders across the industry.

“We want to ensure the revised Master Code remains comprehensive, practical, clear and easy to follow, tackling both known and emerging safety challenges.

“This is truly a case of ‘built by industry, for industry’.”

To read the full draft and for more details on how to provide feedback, click here.

The deadline to have your say is Friday, September 19.

The Master Code began as a joint project between the Australian Logistics Council and the Australian Trucking Association in 2017 with the view to creating a practical free guide to achieving the standards of heavy vehicle safety and compliance required under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and the various heavy vehicle national regulations.

After extensive industry consultation, led by project manager Peter Elliot, the code was first registered in November 2018.