NHVR website updated to feature COVID-19 rules for transport sector

Transport operators, truck drivers and freight workers can now access the latest, up-to-date COVID-19 information for all states and territories in the updated National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) website.

The NHVR website has been refreshed to feature guidance on close contact worker requirements that covers each state or territory, 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 NHVR website would make it easier and quicker for those in the transport sector to get the information they need 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,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“This information source is providing truck drivers, rail operators and freight managers with the information they need to make decisions, taking some of the stress out of their day-to-day work,” he said.

The assistant minister said that this has been no easy feat, as new coronavirus variants emerge, “interstate road and rail workers have worked tirelessly to keep up with changing requirements across jurisdictions.”

The updated NHVR website will act as a one-stop shop for the key COVID-19 information that 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,” the assistant minister said.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said it is important that drivers and operators have a one-stop shop for information.

“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,” Petroccitto said.

“I’m pleased that we are able to extend our existing information services to include this important information,” he said.

He continued that the NHVR will provide updates on changing conditions and requirements across all jurisdictions, such as truck access-friendly COVID-19 testing facilities, roadhouses and service centres.

Source: The Hon Scott Buchholz MP media release