Fears load of red tape to hit

TASMANIA’S peak farming body says planned changes to regulations on heavy vehicles will have big implications for the agricultural sector.

Regulations from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, due to take effect in the middle of this year, will spread responsibility for transport across the whole supply chain, including farmers and contractors.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Wayne Johnston said he had requested a meeting with the State Government.

“I hope that a lot of people make the time and effort to get on the [regulator’s] website and have a look at these changes and see what may be coming.

“I think a lot of people and even those in the transport industry have no idea what these changes are about and the impact they could have.”

Thirlstane farmer Nathan Richardson said the changes would have consequences for anyone using heavy-vehicle transport as part of their operations, including farmers.

“Under these changes, any task where you have engaged a heavy vehicle, whether it’s to transport your products or to bring products to your busi- ness, if something goes wrong and there is an incident, you could potentially be liable.

“It’s going to add another huge mountain of red tape and compliance for businesses.”

Mr Richardson said the question was if people were prepared to pay more for their produce to cover these costs.

Under the changes everyone in the supply chain bears equal responsibility for accidents and transport regulation breaches. A business found to be liable that does not have the correct risk analysis and control procedures in place can be fined up to $50,000 or $500,000 for corporations.

Mr Johnston said it was inequitable to suggest a farmer could have knowledge of or be able to exert influence on the truck driver, the condition of the vehicle, road conditions or unloading at the destination.

While transport regulations were previously controlled by the State Government, Tas- mania is now a signatory to the national body.

Mr Richardson said the national regulator had not properly consulted with local transporters or other affected industries before drafting the regulations.

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the State Government was working with the TFGA, local transport industry and the federal regulator to address the concerns before the changes take effect.