Heavy vehicle drivers and supply chain employees can confidentially report potential safety breaches via a new secure hotline.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the national confidential reporting line would allow heavy vehicle safety concerns to be reported to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) before being assessed and appropriate action taken.
“The confidential reporting line will protect the identity of the reporting individual throughout all stages of the process,” Mr McCormack said.
“The [Federal Government] is committed to improving heavy vehicle road safety, and this is yet another measure funded under our $16 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
“Anyone with a safety concern can call 1800 931 785, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line will be operated by an independent third party, Crime Stoppers Queensland.
“NHVR has partnered with Crime Stoppers Queensland to take advantage of its expertise in receiving confidential calls and ensure they are processed appropriately,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“I encourage individuals to take advantage of this service to contribute to the safety of our industry without fear of recrimination.”
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law everyone in the heavy vehicle industry has a responsibility to prevent or minimise potential injury, danger or loss to themselves and others by ensuring their transport activities are safe.
The Hotline is intended to improve safety in the industry by allowing people to report appropriate information which may include:
- an incident or situation which affects the safety of a heavy vehicle or its operation
- a procedure, practice or condition which endangers the safety of a heavy vehicle driver, their passengers, other road users or the community
- a procedure, practice or condition which leads to non-compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Calls to the confidential hotline will be free from any landline in Australia (and some mobile providers).
The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline was funded by the Australian Government through a $250,000 grant from the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvcrl