National Road Transport Commission Act 1991

What this Act does

This legislation establishes the National Road Transport Commission (NRTC) — a national body that coordinates road transport rules across Australia. It creates a system where the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand work together to write and administer uniform road transport laws.

Key components:

• The Commission: A corporate body with 5 part-time members plus a Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Governor-General on the nomination of the Australian Transport Council.
• The Australian Transport Council: A council of Ministers from the Commonwealth, all States, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand who set policy and approve the Commission's work.
• Uniform Laws: The Commission develops model road transport legislation (covering heavy vehicles, light vehicles, dangerous goods, registration, and vehicle standards) that States and Territories automatically adopt, ensuring consistent rules across borders.
• Trans-Tasman Recognition: Special provisions allow New Zealand to appoint a representative to the Commission and participate in developing harmonised vehicle standards (TTMRA standards) so vehicles can be traded freely between Australia and New Zealand.
• Defence Exemptions: The Minister can exempt the Australian Defence Force (and foreign armed forces under certain conditions) from road transport laws for security, emergency, or international relations purposes.