Australia’s freight demand is growing rapidly and will continue to accelerate across all modes. The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) freight projections indicate that road freight will grow 77% between 2020 and 2050. Yet key elements of the regulatory framework remain anchored in administrative practices that constrain efficiency, investment and productivity.  

The existing heavy vehicle regulatory framework is not keeping pace with the needs of modern supply chains, high – productivity vehicles, zero – emissions vehicle deployment, or digital access management. Reform is essential to maintain competitiveness, reduce emissions, and ensure the resilience of national freight movements. We welcome this study and strongly support the intention to modernise the system across all five focus areas.