A fragmented driver health screening system across Australia is creating safety risks and undermining early detection of serious conditions, says the Australian Logistics Council (ALC).
In its formal submission to the National Transport Commission’s review of the industry’s behind-the-times screening systems, the ALC called for an urgent adoption of nationally consistent requirements for commercial vehicle drivers.
Currently, the rules for driver medical assessments differ widely across jurisdictions. Some states mandate periodic checks for all heavy vehicle licence holders, while others apply them inconsistently – often only to older drivers or those with specific licence classes.
The ALC said this fragmented system creates safety risks and undermines efforts to promote early detection and management of serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep disorders.
“Driver health is a safety issue, a workforce issue, and a national productivity issue,” said ALC Chair Margaret Staib.
“We need a system that supports drivers to stay well – not one that focuses solely on compliance and steps in only when things go wrong.”
ALC recommends the development of a harmonised national framework to support regular health assessments for all medium rigid (MR) class drivers and above.
The council said this should align with existing accreditation schemes and public transport standards, with a focus on early intervention and driver wellbeing.
The framework should be co-designed with industry, workforce representatives and regulators, and reflect a shift in approach, from reactive enforcement to proactive health support, the ALC added.
Central to this approach, believes the ALC, is the role of non-regulatory initiatives such as Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, whose mobile health check program delivers free, confidential screenings at truck stops and depots across the country.
“These community-based programs provide early health insights without the fear of punitive outcomes, encouraging drivers to seek clinical support before conditions escalate,” the ALC’s submission said.
“ALC supports efforts to improve national consistency in driver health screening but notes that regulatory measures alone are unlikely to drive sustained behavioural change” said ALC CEO and Managing Director Dr Hermione Parsons.
“That’s why we’re calling on governments to fund and expand community-led initiatives like Healthy Heads, which engage drivers in a trusted, non-punitive way.”
The ALC said mental health is another key consideration. The submission advocates for the inclusion of validated mental health indicators within future screening guidance.
ALC recommends the use of simple, evidence-based tools that can identify early signs of distress, separate from licensing decisions, to promote wellbeing without stigma.
“ A consistent, fair and evidence-based approach to health screening is critical to safeguarding both drivers and the freight networks they power,” added Dr Parsons.
The ALC also emphasises the importance of strong privacy protections and access to follow-up care, particularly for mobile or remote drivers who face barriers to consistent health support.
The submission also calls for clarity on how screening results will be used, ensuring drivers are supported rather than penalised.
Submissions to the NTC discussion paper closed on May 9.
Initiated at the request of Australia’s Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, the paper explores options for improving early detection and management of health conditions that impact the safety of drivers.