THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s newly-released Master Code of Practice includes content dedicated to practical support and advice on safe livestock transport.

The revised and expanded Master Code went live earlier this year to help operators and other supply-chain participants better understand, manage and reduce safety risks in day-to-day livestock operations.

NHVR Acting Director of Policy Implementation Susannah McGirr said for the livestock industry, the Master Code provided important information for Chain or Responsibility (CoR) parties.

“For people sending or receiving livestock using heavy vehicles, they are likely a party in the CoR, meaning they have a duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law to ensure safety,” Ms McGirr said.

The Master Code is designed to help stakeholders understand the hazards and risks they 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 provides information for how off-road parties can assist in planning livestock transport by supplying information about safe access routes and vehicle movement information on premises.

“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,” Ms McGirr said.

“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.”

Ms McGirr said the NHVR would soon be offering additional options for industry engagement, such as online webinars, to provide further support.

“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,” she said.

• For any business, operator or driver interested in learning more about the Master Code and how it can be used to improve safety, more information on the 2026 Master Code can be found here.
• The Livestock Transport Master Code can be accessed here.
• Feedback or requests for further resources can be sent to codes@nhvr.gov.au