Issue 81 | 27 March 2020  | Coronavirus Special Edition

Message from the CEO

The NHVR Portal is continuing to provide a range of services for customers and road managers during these challenging times. The Portal is the place to manage all your business for Accreditation, Vehicle Standards, Registration services and Access Permits. It is also being used by road managers to assess permit applications. During this time, please be patient when using these services as our staff, service providers or road managers may be impacted. You can use the NHVR Portal to prepare, lodge and track your applications or requests, and there is an Information Request feature to ask questions or raise issues with us. Like all businesses, the NHVR has planned for disruptions, but we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service during this difficult period. Sal

NHVR extends supplementary record use to 30 days

The NHVR has announced an extension to the time limit drivers may use a supplementary work diary record, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist industry through the coronavirus pandemic. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that from Wednesday April 1, drivers can use supplementary records for up to 30 driver business days, compared to the current seven day limit. “Drivers who complete, lose or have their diary stolen or destroyed and can’t get an immediate replacement can use the Diary Daily Sheets for up to 30 days,” Sal said. > Read more about the supplementary record changes

Update on cross-border travel

Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania have border restrictions in place. There are currently no restrictions in place for travel between Victoria, NSW and the ACT. Despite these restrictions, all freight movements are continuing. It’s business as usual. However we ask that you keep abreast of information provided by State, Territory and Federal Government agencies. > Read more cross-border travel updates and download forms

NHVR reducing burden on industry accreditation

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced temporary changes to National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the regulator has listened to the industry and the common-sense changes would be implemented from Wednesday 25 March. “We are making some practical changes that will help to take pressure off the health system and support operators and drivers in a time of unprecedented demand,” Sal said.  > Read more about accreditation updates

Simple steps to avoid coronavirus

The NHVR is urging heavy vehicle drivers and operators to take steps to maintain their health and wellbeing while health authorities continually update advice on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your staff and colleagues is to practice good hygiene, including: washing your hands regularly and where available use hand sanitiser keeping work areas, eating surfaces and benches clean, through increased regular cleaning covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing avoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms. Operators and drivers should also carry additional hand sanitiser where they have access to it. If you become unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please seek medical assistance regardless of whether you believe you may have come into contact with someone with the illness.  If you are unwell, regardless of the cause, please stay home. You can find more information about coronavirus at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert