About the role
The Senior Policy Advisor (Safety Duties and Codes) is the NHVR’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Chapter 1A and Part 13.2 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), including Chain of Responsibility (CoR), the Primary Duty, Executive Due Diligence, and Industry Codes of Practice.
The role provides authoritative guidance and information to external stakeholders who are parties in the CoR, to promote understanding and enable them discharge their Primary Duty to ensure safety. The Senior Policy Advisor (Safety Duties and Codes) also supports industry by promoting a consistent and accurate understanding of the application of Codes of Practice and how these codes can assist parties in meeting their safety obligations.
The position works closely with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent interpretation and messaging of CoR principles across the NHVR, and to support the accurate and aligned communication of these principles to industry.
- Provide high‑level specialist advice on the interpretation and application of Chapter 1A and Part 13.2 of the HVNL, undertaking research and making recommendations on novel, high‑risk or contentious interpretive issues to Senior Management for determination.
- Support consistent and accurate interpretation of Primary Duty and CoR obligations across the NHVR and industry, contributing to improved regulatory clarity and compliance outcomes.
- Provide informal guidance and support to colleagues across the NHVR to support consistent understanding and application of CoR and Primary Duty obligations.
- Develop and oversee the production of Codes of Practice, educational materials, NHVR website content, and practical tools to support stakeholders in complying with the Primary Duty, Executive Due Diligence, and other HVNL obligations.
- Provide training, support, and technical advice to industry facing teams to ensure effective handling of complex CoR queries and matters relating to Chapter 1A and Part 13.2 of the HVNL.
- Liaise with Prosecutors and Investigators to ensure alignment and consistency in the interpretation and application of Chapter 1A across the organisation.
- Contribute specialist expertise to policy reform and continuous improvement initiatives relating to Primary Duty and CoR, supporting the development of future regulatory approaches.
- Represent the NHVR at industry forums and external engagements on CoR and Primary Duty matters, presenting agreed NHVR positions and technical guidance and increasing awareness of obligations across all sectors of the heavy vehicle supply chain.
NHVR’s Safety Duties and Codes Team are currently undertaking growth and considerable transformation, and this is an exciting time to join the organisation.
To learn more, the position description can be found on the NHVR Careers site - https://careers.nhvr.gov.au/jobs/search
About You
- Significant demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legislation, preferably in a duty-based environment.
- Demonstrated expert knowledge of the obligations and application of the HVNL Primary Duty.
- Demonstrated expert understanding of the development and application of Industry Codes of Practice under the HVNL or other duties‑based legislation.
- Substantial experience within the heavy vehicle industry or a comparable regulatory, safety, or compliance environment.
- Knowledge of the Heavy Vehicle National Law or other duties-based legislative frameworks.
- Experience developing educational material across a range of delivery platforms, including in‑person, virtual, and web‑based environments.
Why join us?
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.
We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.
We offer- (update as needed depending on role)
- A competitive salary package from $152,511.56 + superannuation
- Monthly RDO and paid leave over Christmas closure.
- Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
- Up to15.25% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
- Leave loading 17.5%
- Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
- Salary packaging options including novated lease.
- Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
- Ongoing training and professional development support
- Professional membership
Application Process
Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.
Applications close: 5.00pm 3rd August 2026 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the NHVR recruitment team on [email protected].
Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.
Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.
We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.
