The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) renewed commitment to partnering with the trucking industry as it undergoes changes to its business model and organisational structure.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto described the commitment as a “new phase of collaboration” in his announcement of the NHVR’s leadership restructure last week.

ATA Chief Executive Stuart St Clair said the industry was watching the NHVR’s progress very closely.

“Sal Petroccitto and NTC CEO Paul Retter AM were guests at the ATA’s Council meeting last week, where they provided an overview of their goals and participated in robust discussions about the next steps facing the NTC and NHVR,” Mr St Clair said.

“The importance of both the NTC and the NHVR working together to achieve the expectations of the industry cannot be overstated. While both have different roles, it is important that there is a close working relationship and understanding of the other’s commitments.

“The ATA strongly supports the NHVR, and we want to see it succeed. However, its expected benefits will only be achieved when it is able to provide productivity-improving initiatives to industry, and to process documentation at an appropriate rate.

“At the same time, the NHVR can’t afford to have any more false starts.

“Sal has described the changes in the NHVR’s leadership structure as part of the process to allow the regulator to meet these outcomes for industry.

“We wish Sal well with the changes in his executive team, and will continue to liaise closely with the NHVR as it progresses towards the outcomes industry expects.”