THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has compiled COVID-19 information from across all states and territories on its website to provide freight workers with up-to-date regulations.
The website now includes guidance on each states’ close contact worker requirements, so drivers understand their obligations if they have been identified as a close contact.
Assistant minister for road safety and freight transport Scott Buchholz said the information would help enable transport workers to carry out their jobs safely.
“Every Australian, everywhere, every day relies on our freight, our logistics, and our supply chain workers – who have been doing a fantastic job keeping supplies moving throughout the pandemic,” he said.
Mr Buchholz said the update intends to help provide truck drivers, rail operators, and freight managers with the information they need to make decisions, alleviating stress in their daily work.
“This has been no easy feat, as new coronavirus variants keep emerging in Australia and overseas, interstate road and rail workers have worked tirelessly to keep up with changing requirements across jurisdictions,” he said.
“We have listened and we have acted. The NHVR has updated its website to act as a one-stop shop for the key COVID-19 information our freight workers need to keep moving across all states and territories.
“This builds on our recent decision at National Cabinet to allow transport, freight and logistics industry workers to go back to work immediately, provided they are asymptomatic and record a negative rapid antigen test.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the simplified access to information is important for drivers and operators.
“Heavy vehicles operate across all Australian borders thousands of times a day and it’s vital that they are able to find clear information to assist in them,” he said.
“I’m pleased that we are able to extend our existing information services to include this important information.”
