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National Transport Policy |
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National Transport Policy Framework
September 2009
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National Transport Policy
In May 2008, ATC agreed that a National Transport Policy would be guided by the agreed national vision, objectives and principles (below). Individual Ministers took responsibility for developing aspects of a national transport policy through the following Working Groups:
Economic Framework for Efficient Transportation Marketplace (NSW)
Infrastructure Planning and Investment (VIC)
Capacity Constraints and Supply Chain Performance (SA)
Urban Congestion (VIC)
Climate Change, Environment and Energy (WA)
Safety and Security (QLD)
Strategic Research and Technology (TAS)
Workforce Planning and Skills (NT)
Governance (Commonwealth) |
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In July 2008 ATC agreed to pursue priority national reforms including:
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a National Road Safety Council (advising ATC);
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a single national system of heavy vehicle regulation, registration and driver licensing;
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a single national system for maritime safety regulation administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA); and
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a single national rail safety regulatory and investigation framework.
In May 2009, ATC recommended that the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agree on a transition to single national regulators covering rail safety, maritime safety and heavy vehicles, and a national rail safety investigator.
This is an important and historic step toward ATC’s goal of a genuine national market in transport. As Australia’s transport task grows, a more streamlined regulatory system will deliver long-term safety and productivity gains.
The next steps
Ministers also agreed to streamline the nine Working Groups into Productivity, Safety, Environment, Security, Maritime and Newtwork Performance subcommittees of the Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT). This new structure will be fully operational by November 2009
In endorsing this new structure Ministers acknowledged the numerous achievements of the Working Groups in developing national transport initiatives and the important role transport can play in encouraging economic growth.
BACKGROUND
Ministers pursue national reform agenda
In February 2008, Australian Transport Council (ATC) Ministers received a briefing from the Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC) on the development of a National Transport Policy Framework.
Ministers agreed to begin an ambitious program of national reform to address significant national challenges across all modes including climate change, safety, efficiency, congestion, and the skills crisis.
ATC’S Vision for Australia's Transport Future
"Australia requires a safe, secure, efficient, reliable and integrated national transport system that supports and enhances our nation’s economic development and social and environmental well-being."
Transport Policy Objectives
To achieve this vision, Australia’s Transport Ministers commit to the following policy objectives:
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Economic - To promote the efficient movement of people and goods in order to support sustainable economic development and prosperity.
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Safety - To provide a safe transport system that meets Australia's mobility, social and economic objectives with maximum safety for its user.
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Social - To promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities and increasing accessibility to the transport network for all Australians.
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Environmental - Protect our environment and improve health by building and investing transport systems that minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy.
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Integration - Promote effective and efficient integration and linkage of Australia’s transport system with urban and regional planning at every level of government and with international transport systems.
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Transparency - Transparency in funding and charging to provide equitable access to the transport system, through clearly identified means where full cost recovery is not applied.
Australia’s transport policy framework is underpinned by the following guiding principles:
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Infrastructure Pricing - Sending the appropriate signals to influence supply and demand for infrastructure.
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Competitive Markets - Establishing competitive markets wherever possible to minimise the need for regulation.
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Private Sector - Involve the private sector, where it is efficient to do so, in delivering outcomes.
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National Regulation - A national perspective should be adopted where regulation is required.
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National Markets - Encourage national markets where possible.
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Customer - Customer focussed. Equitable access for all users.
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