Mr Smith welcomed the Government’s decision to restrict the commission from issuing orders about road transport issues covered by the Heavy Vehicle National Law or other laws.

“We argued that the commission’s powers needed to be separated from safety regulation, because otherwise the industry would end up with conflicting safety requirements,” he said.

Mr Smith said the bill included extensive consultation provisions, including a requirement that road transport minimum standards orders be published for a period of time before they come into force. The period set out in the bill is 24 months.

“As introduced, the bill would also enable the Government to make regulations for road transport orders to be internally reviewed,” he said.

Mr Smith said the Government had consulted with the industry on the road transport provisions.

“During the consultation process, Minister Burke met our representatives in person on three separate occasions. The ATA also worked closely with Minister Burke’s office and his department.

“Our policy staff were able to review and comment on the in-confidence exposure draft legislation. It is evident that most of the checks and balances ATA asked for have been included in the bill introduced today.

“There are still issues to be resolved with the bill and the regulations that will underpin the commission’s extended role. We look forward to making a submission to the Senate inquiry into the bill and to working with the Government on Senate amendments and the regulations.

“In that process, we will be guided by the views of our member policy committee, which has been meeting regularly to provide us with input. I want to thank the members of the committee for their guidance and the time they have devoted to the issue,” he said.