Federal, state and territory transport ministers have today agreed that there is a need for a national approach to transport
Federal, state and territory transport ministers have today agreed that there is a need for a national approach to transport policy.
In a joint communiqué released following today’s meeting of the Australian Transport Council (ATC), they say implementing the national transport policy will involve:
- Agreeing the details of a national policy framework
- A new inter-governmental agreement to implement the national policy framework, which will establish the governance structure
- Settling the key work priorities and timetable.
Individual ministers will take responsibility for developing aspects of a national transport policy for consideration at the next ATC meeting on May 2:
- Economic framework for efficient transportation marketplace (NSW)
- Infrastructure planning and investment (Victoria)
- Capacity constraints and supply chain performance (SA)
- Urban congestion (Victoria)
- Climate change, environment and energy (WA)
- Safety and security (Queensland)
- Strategic research and technology (Tasmania)
- Workforce planning and skills (NT)
- Social inclusion (ACT)
- Governance (Commonwealth).
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, also provided a detailed briefing to the Council on the establishment of Infrastructure Australia (IA) to drive the coordination of infrastructure provision in Australia.
As a key first step IA, which will be headed by Sir Rod Eddington, will audit the adequacy of the nation’s infrastructure and develop a priority list within 12 months for consideration by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).