Fortnightly ALC Government Relations Update No.11 | 11 June 2026 – 25 June 2026

ALC members were briefed this morning by the Hon Catherine King MP on the current national fuel situation and the Australian Government’s response.

The Minister’s key message was that Australia’s fuel supply remains stable, but the market remains exposed to global disruption, price volatility, and regional distribution pressures. Australia remains at Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan, with the government continuing to monitor supply, pricing and distribution.

The latest public fuel stock data shows national reserves are above recent average levels. As at 16 June 2026, Australia held:

This compares with the March quarter 2026 average of 37 days for petrol, 32 days for diesel and 30 days for jet fuel.

Further supply is also due to arrive. As at 19 June 2026, there were 51 ships on water to Australia, including 7 crude oil tankers and 44 clean refined product tankers. Over the next four weeks, 3.9 billion litres of crude oil, diesel, petrol and jet fuel is scheduled to arrive.

Minister King also confirmed that fuel excise relief will be extended for July. From 1 July to 2 August 2026, petrol and diesel will remain 16 cents per litre cheaper than normal settings. The Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge will also be reduced by 16 cents per litre over the same period.

For freight transport and freight logistics operators, this provides short-term relief. Diesel remains the main pressure point. Stocks are stronger than recent averages, and forward supply is solid, but prices remain exposed to international markets and distribution constraints, particularly in regional areas.

The immediate position is more stable than it was at the height of the crisis. Members should continue to monitor fuel recovery mechanisms, regional supply conditions, customer contract settings, and further updates under the National Fuel Security Plan.

ALC will continue to engage with the Australian Government on the need to protect fuel access for freight transport and logistics, which remain the core social and economic enablers for Australia.

The Australian Government, the National Transport Commission, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator have updated the ALC on the final Heavy Vehicle National Law reform package, implementation arrangements, and the National Automated Access System. The reforms commence on 1 August 2026 and will affect accreditation, safety management systems, fatigue arrangements, mass and dimension settings, work diaries, penalties and access reform.

Key information for members

Key information for ALC members is:

• Accreditation is changing. Accredited operators will need a Safety Management System that meets the new standard.
• Transition arrangements need attention. Existing accreditation remains valid until expiry, but operators should confirm their renewal pathway.
• Fatigue settings are changing. Operators using BFM, AFM, or bespoke fatigue arrangements should check whether NHVR templates suit their operations.
• Electronic work diary readiness remains unresolved. Further work is needed to ensure EWDs support alternative compliance fatigue arrangements.
• Mass and dimension changes may improve fleet use. Members should review changes to GML, Euro 6 concessions, vehicle length, and tag-trailer settings.
• Access reform is the main productivity opportunity. The National Automated Access System must improve access, not just automate existing restrictions.
• Bridge assessments and level crossings remain major constraints. The system will not deliver full value unless these barriers are addressed.
• Further reform work remains. Outstanding issues include height, B-double length, low- and zero-emission heavy vehicles, fatigue technology, and access reform.

Key actions for members before 1 August 2026

Members should take the following steps before 1 August 2026:

1. Confirm accreditation status
   Check expiry dates and decide whether to transition to the new framework, renew under existing arrangements, or seek an extension where available.
2. Review Safety Management Systems
   Test current systems against the new SMS standard and identify any gaps before assessment.
3. Check fatigue arrangements
   Operators using BFM, AFM, or bespoke fatigue models should review the NHVR templates and decide whether a tailored application is required.
4. Monitor electronic work diary updates
   Operators using EWDs should closely follow NHVR and TCA guidance.
5. Review fleet productivity opportunities
   Assess whether changes in mass, dimensions, and loading create new operating benefits.
6. Identify access constraints
   Provide ALC with examples of bridges, level crossings, local roads, or other network constraints that limit higher-productivity freight operations.
7. Provide implementation feedback
   ALC will use member examples to raise practical issues with the government, the NTC and the NHVR.

Main changes commencing 1 August 2026

Accreditation and safety management systems

The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme will transition to the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation framework.

Accredited operators will need a Safety Management System that complies with the approved SMS standard. The NHVR will assess safety management systems during accreditation.

A new National Audit Standard has also been approved. It is intended to create more consistent audits and reduce duplication where operators are already assessed against recognised heavy vehicle safety requirements.

Member input

ALC is seeking practical examples from members on implementation issues, access constraints and reform opportunities.

Examples should focus on where current rules, infrastructure constraints or approval processes are limiting safety, productivity, access or efficient freight operations. These examples will support ALC’s engagement with government through the implementation phase and the next HVNL maintenance cycle.