Submission: Improving Health Screening for Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Year:
2025
Type:
Submissions
Topic:
Advocacy, HEAVY VEHICLES, HVNL, Productivity, Road Safety, Road Transport, Workforce

The Australian Logistics Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to the National Transport Commission’s discussion paper on improving health screening for commercial vehicle drivers. ALC supports the development of a nationally consistent approach to periodic health assessments, with clear and equitable requirements applied across jurisdictions and license classes, and without increasing compliance costs for operators. We highlight the critical role of trusted, non-regulatory initiatives—such as the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds mobile health screening program—in encouraging early identification of health risks in a non-punitive, supportive environment. ALC also recommends the inclusion of mental health indicators, appropriate privacy protections, and better access to follow-up care, particularly for drivers working in remote and mobile settings. By combining consistent screening practices with industry-led preventative health promotion, Australia can strengthen driver wellbeing, enhance road safety, and build a more resilient freight transport workforce.