Case study: Engaging with the trucking industry to communicate national change

• In July 2009 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a single national system of laws for heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes. These laws will be administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) from 2013. As a new regulator, not currently in existence at a national level, the NHVR Project Office has a unique opportunity to create a best practice system of regulation for the benefit of all stakeholders. To maximise this opportunity, the NHVR Project Office wanted to ensure genuine consultation, engagement and transparent communications is used throughout the build of the new national regulator.
• SANDBOX was engaged by the NHVR Project Office to research and develop a Stakeholder and Communication Engagement Strategy and Operational Plan. The strategy included developing objectives, mapping and profiling the target audiences and determining their role in the engagement and communication process.
• The result was a comprehensive strategy and operational plan that addressed the specific communication and engagement needs of six key stakeholders segments across the various phases of the three year project. The strategy and operational plan satisfied the NHVR Board’s requirements and gave the NHVR Project Office a practical guide for engaging and communicating with their stakeholders.