Truckies are invited to have a say in a new state government probe into the pressures on heavy vehicle drivers and their impact in NSW.
An official upper house inquiry – chaired by environmentalist and Greens MP Cate Faehrmann – is taking submissions from now until September 18, with “committee activity” to follow later in the year.
Faehrmann’s office has been approached for more comment.
According to a media release announcing the investigation, the inquiry will examine the extent, nature and impact of pressures on heavy vehicle driver practice and how regulatory obligations are observed.
In particular, the committee will investigate how these pressures contribute to over-height vehicle incidents and the use of rest areas and other fatigue management practices, the statement said.
“The committee is also interested in exploring the impact, effectiveness and enforcement of current mechanisms to address the pressures on heavy vehicle drivers, including training and education requirements, penalties for over height vehicle incidents, and the availability, suitability and accessibility of heavy vehicle rest areas in metropolitan Sydney and rural and regional New South Wales,” Faehrmann added.
“In addition, the committee will consider the capability for new and emerging technologies to assist in reducing pressures for heavy vehicle drivers.”
For a submission form, further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, visit the committee website here.
The others on the committee are: Sam Farraway (Nationals), Mark Banasiak (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party) Anthony D’Adam (ALP), Dr Sarah Kaine (ALP), Bob Nanva (ALP) and Natalie Ward (Libs).