Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss said the council had agreed to improvements to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, including improved auditing arrangements.

“These new arrangements are important to adopting a nationally consistent risk-based approach to heavy vehicle roadworthiness,” he said.

“Auditors will have until July 2016 to transition to the new arrangements.

“The changes also mean truckies will no longer be able to choose their auditor.”

Truss added that an agreement had also been reached to accelerate work on the development of a heavy vehicle compliance and surveillance strategy.

“Fast-tracking this will help to focus national efforts on activities that support long-term transport safety improvements,” he explained.

“The changes are important for a national framework that targets heavy vehicles for roadworthiness inspections, as well as managing and clearing heavy vehicle defects.”

It is understood the National Transport Commission will release a regulatory impact statement on heavy vehicle roadworthiness. The regulatory impact statement (RIS) will be available for public comment early next year.

“The RIS will canvass options for improving the roadworthiness of heavy vehicles,” Truss said.

“Public consultation is a good opportunity for interested parties to have their say on options for a national heavy vehicle roadworthiness program.”