From 1 July 2018, amendments to the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws will come into effect. These changes will align closely with Workplace Health and Safety laws and will apply a direct duty of care on local government.
The aim of CoR is to makes sure everyone in the supply chain actively manages the risks associated with transport activities.
Breaches will be considered a criminal offence, which can include large fines and/or imprisonment.
Where councils are involved in any transport activities, that include a vehicle weighing over 4.5t when loaded (regardless of whether it is owned by council or a contractor), council will have a shared responsibility to ensure safety and that risks are adequately managed.
The LGAQ and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recently agreed to extend the Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer (HVALO) role until June 2020.
The NHVR and LGAQ are currently developing a work program covering a range of issues, including supporting councils to understand their roles and responsibilities under the updated CoR legislation.