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ARTICLE · 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

The Master Code is changing – how should you prepare?

Holding Redlich
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The draft revised Master Code expands safety & transport obligations under the HVNL, so businesses should review & update their practices now.

AustraliaTransport
Nathan Cecil
Nathan Cecil
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The Master Code is a registered industry code of practice under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). It provides guidance to parties in the chain of responsibility on the hazards and risks arising from transport activities, and practices they can adopt to control them. The Code can be used by the court to determine whether you are identifying and addressing known risks and managing them properly.

A draft revised Master Code has just been released, representing a significant change in how the regulator will approach enforcement activities in the future. You should consider the draft Code and start preparing now.

Parties in the chain

The parties in the chain remain the same and must continue to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of their transport activities. The parties include:

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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