EP1 - The Future of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australia’s Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code is undergoing one of the most significant reviews in decades. But what’s actually changing and why? In the first episode of Dangerous Goods Matters – The AIDGC Podcast, host David Irvine speaks with Matt Arkell, Principal Policy Advisor for Dangerous Goods Transport at the National Transport Commission, about the comprehensive review and restructure of the ADG Code. The discussion explores how dangerous goods transport regulation works in Australia, the role of the ADG Code as the national technical rulebook and why the National Transport Commission has undertaken a major rewrite to better align with international frameworks while still reflecting Australia’s unique transport environment. Matt explains how the code interacts with state and territory legislation, the typical update cycle driven by UN model regulations and the practical challenges businesses face when navigating more than 1,300 pages of technical requirements. The episode also unpacks the drivers behind the current review, including industry feedback, increasing international trade in chemicals and the need for a more sustainable structure for maintaining the code into the future. Listeners will gain insight into: • Why the ADG Code is being rewritten • How the new structure will better follow the transport supply chain • The role of international frameworks such as ADR • What the changes mean for consignors, transport operators and drivers • Expected timelines for implementation and transition You can learn more about the National Transport Commission and the ADG Code review at: www.ntc.gov.au About the Podcast Dangerous Goods Matters – The AIDGC Podcast is produced by the Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC) and hosted by dangerous goods consultant, trainer and technology founder David Irvine. The podcast explores real-world issues in dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals through conversations with regulators, consultants, industry practitioners and technical experts. Topics include storage and handling, transport compliance, regulatory changes, incident learnings and emerging risks across the dangerous goods sector. Each episode aims to make complex regulatory and technical issues clearer and more accessible for industry practitioners while highlighting the depth of expertise within the dangerous goods community. Learn more about the AIDGC: www.aidgc.org.au About the Host David Irvine is a consultant member of the AIDGC, Managing Director of DG Trainer and CEO and co-founder of DGXprt, software designed to help organisations manage dangerous goods compliance for storage and handling across Australia. Learn more about DGXprt: www.dgxprt.com Stay Informed If you work with dangerous goods or hazardous chemicals, subscribe to Dangerous Goods Matters to stay informed about regulatory changes, industry developments and practical approaches to improving safety and compliance. Follow the AIDGC and connect with David Irvine to stay up to date with the latest thinking in dangerous goods risk management.