Understanding the Updates to the Master Code

In 2018, the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)collaboratively released a single, unified registered industry code of practice for the heavy vehicle industry. This document, known as the Master Code, was created to establish a consistent, industry-wide approach to managing safety obligations under the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) provisions in the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

The primary goal of the Master Code was to streamline and consolidate the many existing industry-specific codes of practice that had previously guided heavy vehicle operations. Prior to its introduction, transport and logistics companies often had to navigate varying compliance expectations depending on their sector or jurisdiction. By creating a singular, national standard, the Master Code has offered:

• A uniform framework for identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with heavy vehicle transport.
• A practical guide for organisations to meet their obligations under the HVNL and relevant state and territory-based Work Health and Safety (WHS) Acts and Regulations.
• Improved legal defensibility, as adherence to an approved code of practice can be used as evidence of compliance with the law in the event of a regulatory investigation or court proceeding.

Since its inception, The Master Code has been crucial in helping businesses align their operations with the CoR duties outlined in the HVNL. However, the diversity of operational requirements across different sectors has highlighted the need for a more tailored approach. Each industry has distinct expectations based on the types of vehicles used, the nature of the freight, operational environments, and the responsibilities of internal parties and stakeholders. This variation has prompted numerous industries to seek the development of their own specific Codes of Practice (COPs) that better reflect their operational realities and compliance needs.

In response to these sector-specific demands, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has collaborated with various industry representative associations to develop individual COPs that meet the unique needs of each sector. These efforts are designed to ensure that the guidance provided aligns not only with the overarching CoR requirements of the HVNL but also with the technical, procedural, and safety nuances of each industry's transport operations.

As of July 2025, five additional codes of practice have been formally released, each tailored to a distinct industry. These sector specific codes include:

• Tasmanian Agricultural and Horticultural RICP.
• Managing Effluent in the Livestock Supply Chain RICP.
• Waste and Recycling Industry Code of Practice.
• Mobile Crane Industry Code of Practice.
• Wine Industry Code of Practice.

Furthermore, three more COPs are currently in development, signifying ongoing engagement between regulators and industry stakeholders. These include:

• Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice.
• Grain Transport Industry Code of Practice; and
• Livestock Transport Industry Code of Practice.

A common factor among these industries is their reliance on engineered vehicles and specialised trailers, which must meet legislative requirements and the practical demands of their companies and clients. These vehicles are often customised to support specific tasks, environmental conditions, and safety expectations. As such, having a dedicated COP ensures that all parties in the supply chain—from designers and manufacturers to operators and consignors—can refer to clear, industry-relevant guidance that promotes both legal compliance and operational excellence.

If your business operates vehicles that may fall within any of these specialised categories, it's important to ensure you're meeting the appropriate legal and safety standards. Contact Compliance Council to discuss your obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), Chain of Responsibility (CoR), and broader heavy vehicle compliance requirements.