Competent Authorities for Land Transport and Technical Inquiries

In the event technical advice is needed on the application of the ADG Code or Australian Explosives Code, or a variation from the requirements of a Code is sought, the Competent Authority appointed in the relevant State or Territory should be approached. If the matter covers more than one State or is for an extended period, it will normally be referred to the Competent Authorities Panel (excluding explosives matters).

The Competent Authority for road transport in each State and Territory is the authority appointed by the Minister in that State or Territory. The States and Territories have advised that the following people should be contacted for information relating to the road transport of dangerous goods:

• Road and Rail Authority Contact List

There are also Competent Authorities for air and sea transport of dangerous goods. They may be contacted at:

• Competent Authority for Air Transport
• Competent Authority for Sea Transport
• CAP Member Site

Competent Authorities Panel

The Competent Authorities Panel (CAP) is a body whose prime responsibility is to consider applications to operate at variance to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code or the Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations and to achieve mutual recognition of decisions. CAP meets quarterly and considers submissions from industry and industry associations. Submissions to CAP for either an exemption, approval or administrative determination must first be considered by the Competent Authority in the relevant jurisdiction to ensure that the matter is of national effect and the submission is complete and in accordance with the Regulations. The Secretariat for CAP is provided by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

• CAP submission proforma [DOC: 58 KB]
• CAP Decisions Register [XLS: 526 KB]

When submitting an application to CAP through your Competent Authority it is essential that you provide adequate supporting information for Panel members to consider. This may include diagrams, photographic material and other technical information. When applying for an Exemption your submission material must demonstrate 'equivalent safety'. If you are uncertain of what to provide to support your submission contact your Competent Authority to discuss the matter.

You must provide both an electronic and a hard copy of your submission. The electronic copy will be circulated to aid discussion of your submission at a national level. The hard copy must be signed and submitted to your Competent Authority.