The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging livestock operators to access the updated 2026 Master Code to support safer transport practices.
The revised and expanded Master Code, released earlier this year, is designed to help operators and supply chain participants better understand, manage and reduce safety risks in day-to-day livestock transport operations.
NHVR Acting Director of Policy Implementation, Susannah McGirr, said the resource provides important guidance for Chain of Responsibility (CoR) parties across the livestock sector.
“If you send or receive livestock using heavy vehicles, you are likely a party in the CoR, meaning you have a duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law to ensure safety,” said McGirr.
“The Master Code is designed to help you understand the hazards and risks you need to consider, with detailed information for businesses that prepare livestock for transport and for those on the receiving end.
“These include activities and controls unique to livestock transport and that support existing guidance.”
The 2026 Master Code also outlines how off-road parties can contribute to safer outcomes by supporting transport planning, including providing information on safe access routes and vehicle movement conditions on-site.
“The code bridges the gap between the legal duty and everyday business decisions, by identifying what can go wrong in business operations that involve heavy vehicles and outlining practical ways to prevent harm,” said McGirr.
“Every person involved in heavy vehicle transport can help increase safety, and we encourage CoR parties within the livestock industry to read the code and familiarise themselves with its practical recommendations.”
The NHVR will also roll out additional engagement initiatives, including online webinars, to help industry better understand and apply the code.
“We are continuing to seek out ways to help industry better understand resources like the code so that we can provide the clearest roadmap to safer operations,” said McGirr.
“For any business, operator or driver interested in learning more about the Master Code and how it can be used to improve safety, please reach out to our team.”
