The Australian Government has agreed to allow New Zealand truck drivers to use their NZ licences in all states and territories, as it looks to ease the truck driver shortage across the country.

According to a report on Big Rigs, the Infrastructure and Transport National Cabinet Reform Committee agreed all states and territories will enact arrangements to allow New Zealand citizens to use their equivalent New Zealand heavy vehicle licence in Australia for 12 months (or until the licence expires if sooner), before being required to obtain an Australian licence.

Secondly, the cabinet agreed the states and territories will extend equivalent arrangements to interstate (Australian) drivers to ensure Australian drivers are not disadvantaged.

These measures will be a temporary Covid-19 response measure to be reviewed 12 months after implementation.