At Highway Advocates Consultancy Service (HACS), we aim to empower Australia’s heavy vehicle industry by addressing systemic challenges, simplifying complex regulations, and promoting fairness, equity, and inclusivity. We are deeply committed to creating a level playing field for all drivers and operators, especially those from multicultural backgrounds, such as the Indian workforce, which plays a vital and growing role in sustaining the nation’s transport sector.

Australia’s transport laws, including the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), are extraordinarily complex, often leaving drivers vulnerable to unfair treatment, especially those from overseas. Fragmented licensing systems and inconsistent state policies, such as South Australia’s recent refusal to recognise certain overseas heavy vehicle licenses, exacerbate these challenges. While these policies aim to improve safety, they risk disproportionately impacting non-Western drivers, creating barriers to success for those contributing significantly to the industry’s growth.

We believe the industry is being “set up to fail” by increasingly intricate regulations, rising penalties, and inadequate support for drivers and operators navigating the system. For instance, the NHVR’s need to publish guides for the judiciary and legal practitioners to interpret transport laws highlights how inaccessible these regulations are for drivers and operators. Policies must balance safety and fairness, avoiding inequities that marginalize drivers based on nationality or background.

HACS works conjunctively with Highway Advocates (Australia), founded by Robert Bell and now under the leadership of Principal Solicitor Rodney Boyd, to address these systemic issues. While Highway Advocates focuses on legal representation, HACS provides proactive compliance solutions, empowering drivers and operators to meet their obligations and succeed in their roles.

We also recognise the broader industry dynamics, such as the growing reliance on technology like Seeing Machines, which allows drivers to bypass traditional experience requirements. While such advancements enhance safety, they raise privacy concerns and highlight the Federal Government’s inconsistent oversight in critical areas of the industry.

Our advocacy extends to calling for Federal responsibility in unifying Australia’s fragmented licensing system. The Federal Government’s role in drafting frameworks like the HVNL and enabling immigration pathways underscores its influence on the sector. However, the lack of national coordination has resulted in inefficiencies and inequities that burden drivers and operators.

HACS is dedicated to:

• Supporting Multicultural Workforces: We particularly advocate for the Indian workforce, whose contributions mirror those of post-war immigrants who shaped modern Australia. As skilled and law-abiding individuals, Indian drivers can significantly contribute to the sector if provided fair opportunities and adequate support.
• Simplifying Compliance: By demystifying complex regulations and providing accessible tools and advice, we ensure drivers and operators have the resources they need to navigate their obligations successfully.
• Advocating for Equity: We stand firmly against racism and discrimination, ensuring that all drivers, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to thrive in Australia’s transport industry.
• Championing Federal Oversight: We call for a unified approach to licensing and enforcement, eliminating the inefficiencies of fragmented state systems and creating a cohesive framework that benefits the industry nationwide.

Our mission is rooted in a vision of fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability for Australia’s transport sector. We aim to empower drivers and operators with the tools, knowledge, and advocacy they need to thrive, ensuring the industry’s equitable and prosperous future. Together, we can build a safer, fairer, and more unified transport sector for all.