BTT Engineering Provides Formal Industry Feedback on HVNL Reform and Updated NHVAS Standards

BTT Engineering has recently provided formal feedback to the National Transport Commission (NTC) following changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the updated NHVAS Accreditation Standards, which will apply on the 1st July 2026.

This feedback represents a critical opportunity, and one we felt strongly about engaging in, to provide comments that reflect the realities faced by operators and to ensure the accreditation framework is clear, practical, and supports consistent, risk-based auditing that strengthens safety and compliance outcomes across the heavy vehicle industry.

As specialists in heavy vehicle compliance and regulatory frameworks, BTT Engineering is actively involved in industry discussions that shape how accreditation and safety standards are applied in practice. Our submission reflects real-world experience working alongside operators, auditors, and safety systems across the heavy vehicle sector.

The updated NHVAS Accreditation Standards are intended to strengthen safety management across the industry. While we support the intent of improving safety performance, our formal feedback to the NTC focused on ensuring the revised standards remain practical, proportionate, and effective for all stakeholders — including auditors and operators of all sizes.

In our submission, we specifically raised concerns around:

  • Inconsistent audit outcomes

  • Increased legal and professional exposure for auditors

  • Reduced continuity resulting from mandatory auditor rotation

  • Potential disengagement from accreditation by operators

Central to our feedback was the need for an accreditation framework that delivers genuine safety outcomes while remaining workable in real-world operations.

Our submission to the NTC was grounded in:

  • Practical experience supporting NHVAS-accredited operators

  • Detailed understanding of NHVAS audit processes and evidence requirements

  • First-hand awareness of challenges faced by both operators and auditors

  • A strong focus on improving safety outcomes without creating unnecessary regulatory burden

We also provided constructive recommendations to improve clarity, reduce duplication, and support more consistent and defensible audit outcomes across the industry.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of our clients as the updated HVNL and NHVAS Accreditation Standards are implemented. BTT Engineering will be supporting operators through these changes by providing:

  • Updated online accreditation systems

  • Targeted training and education

  • Personalised compliance and accreditation assistance

We welcome continued consultation and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to ensure the NHVAS framework remains fit for purpose while strengthening safety and compliance outcome. Check out our formal feedback on the NTC website https://www.ntc.gov.au/submission/1066

Eddie van den Berg