Transport is clearly moving up the agenda list for state and federal governments. Is it actually happening, national harmonisation in regards
Transport is clearly moving up the agenda list for state and federal governments.
Is it actually happening, national harmonisation in regards to transport based legislation?
Public Transport was on the agenda at the recently concluded Australia 2020 Summit in Canberra.
The BIC lodged a submission to the summit which highlighted the need for a National Moving People Strategy as a central element in a National Land Transport Plan.
The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) argued the strategy should, among other things, outline the requirements to substantially grow public transport patronage in major cities, including service and infrastructure components.
It seems as though the powers that be are listening and are adamant to push the transport barrow.
This week it was also agreed, the Federal Government is prepared to engage once again in our urban policies, including public transport.
On the cards are the heavy vehicle national registration and licensing proposal, the Interstate Road Transport Charge Amendment Bill and the Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Repeal Bill.
Both bills aim to enact higher registration charges in the ACT as well as the 1.37 cent per litre increase in the diesel excise agreed to by the ATC during its February 29 meeting.
Unless they are passed, the ACT will have different registration charges to other states and the Northern Territory, meaning there will be no uniform registration scheme like the one proposed during the May 2, ATC meeting.
It will be interesting to see if harmonisation can be achieved.