National Heavy Vehicle Regulator finds ‘exploited, unlawful’ workers on SA roads

It comes after 75 targeted intercepts over two days by officers from SA Police, Border Force, SafeWork and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

An investigation into heavy vehicle safety in South Australia has found ‘exploited’ or unlawful workers are operating on the roads.

A joint operation between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, SA Police, the Australian Border Force and SafeWork SA this month has uncovered a raft of concerning issues in heavy vehicles including faulty brakes, steering issues and exploitation of migrant workers.

Over two days, the Operation conducted 75 targeted intercepts to check for compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law, but found there were illegal workers and unsafe vehicles on the road.

During the Operation, Australian Border Force officers conducted checks relating to migrant worker exploitation and identified four individuals of concern - two unlawful non-citizens and two suspected of breaching visa work conditions.

Following investigations, one person was detained, while another was granted a bridging visa to facilitate their departure from the country.

A joint investigation by ABF, Heavy Vehicle Regulator and SAPOL has uncovered multiple unsafe vehicles on SA roads, as well as illegal workers. Pictures: Supplied

A joint investigation by ABF, Heavy Vehicle Regulator and SAPOL has uncovered multiple unsafe vehicles on SA roads, as well as illegal workers. Pictures: Supplied

It is a criminal offence to employ, refer or contract a “non-citizen” who doesn’t hold the rights to work in Australia, with employers who engage in illegal work practices facing significant penalties.

A range of safety concerns were also addressed in the Operation, including, mechanical breaches, driver fatigue, drug and alcohol offences and work conditions.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said it was disappointing to see drivers and operators “doing the wrong thing”, given more than 179 lives were lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles last year alone.

“By failing to maintain your vehicle or adhere to work and rest requirements, you are not only jeopardising your own safety, but the safety of all other road users.”

“Unfortunately, there were 38 defect notices issued throughout the operation, three of which were classified as major, with the most prevalent offences being mechanical defects such as faulty brakes, and issues with steering and suspension, and wheels, tyres and hubs.

“SCOs also issued one official warning and three infringements, including for a substantial fatigue breach, serving as a clear reminder for drivers to ensure they aren’t driving tired.

SA Police Acting Inspector Tiffany Gray said SAPOL would continue to have a coordinated approach to heavy vehicle regulation and welcome the support of our partner

agencies.

“Operation Vigilant and our daily operations will continue to ensure the compliance of heavy vehicle drivers for not just their safety but all road users.”