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Ministers agree to the need for a national transport policy

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).

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