Is it time for a Federal Ministry of Public Transport charged with the oversight of Federal Government investment in public
Is it time for a Federal Ministry of Public Transport charged with the oversight of Federal Government investment in public transport?
This isn’t a new idea, but one which has been tried successfully in European countries including France and Greece.
This is an idea the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) will have on its agenda in the coming months.
BIC say a Federal Minister of Public Transport would be the “Go to” person for State Governments on Federal –State public transport systems and infrastructure development and would tie various state public transport research, development and regulatory groups together through a new Australian Passenger Transport Group.
Maybe this is one of the outcomes that will be brought forward after the current Senate inquiry looking at the state of public transport sector around the country?
The Inquiry is due to report by the middle of the year and the industry is encouraged to participate in the process to ensure the bus industry’s voice is heard during the inquiry and its views are reflected in the recommendations and outcomes stemming from the inquiry.
BIC say part of the Minister’s role would be to play a significant part in the COAG process with State Transport and Public Transport Ministers in determining the proper role of the Federal Government in public transport in the immediate future and in the long run.
From all reports the BIC have a proposed candidate in mind to fill the position already.
Be sure to vote on this month’s poll.