| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
23 May 2003TRANSPORT SECURITYMinisters agreed to the Principles for the development of a National Transport Security Strategy. They agreed that there are a number of transport security priorities that should be progressed including measures relating to containers and dangerous goods. Ministers noted that the National Strategy would be consistent with the work of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee, and emphasised the importance of conducting proper risk assessments in developing cost-effective regulation. Ministers agreed to the National Maritime Transport Security Framework as developed by the Commonwealth with the States, the Northern Territory and industry stakeholders. The framework will put in place preventive security measures to protect Australia's ships, ports and port facilities from the threat of terrorism and is in accordance with Australia's commitment as signatory to the International Maritime Organization's Safety of Life at Sea Convention. Ministers are committed to ensuring Australia meets the 1 July 2004 deadline. THE NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMMISSION (NTC) & REGULATORY REFORMTransition from the National Road Transport Commission (NRTC) to the National Transport Commission ATC had previously agreed that rail and intermodal operations should be commenced by the NRTC by 1 July 2003, with the functions of the NRTC to be assumed by the NTC when legislation for the new body is commenced. Ministers noted that legislation to establish the NTC will shortly be introduced into the Commonwealth Parliament and that an Inter-Governmental Agreement was being finalised by a working group of the Standing Committee of Transport (SCOT) for agreement by jurisdictions. First National Transport Regulatory Reform Work Programme Ministers approved the First National Transport Regulatory Reform Work Programme for 2003/04, including road, rail and inter-modal regulatory reforms. The Work Programme was developed jointly by the NRTC and SCOT following a request from ATC in January, and reflects extensive consultation with industry. The Budget for the National Transport Commission Ministers approved a budget of $7 million to support the work programme, which includes a continuing effort on road transport reform and an increased emphasis on maintenance of implemented reforms, in addition to a new rail and inter-modal reform agenda. In 2003/04 this budget will be applied both to the expanded functions of the NRTC and the initial operation of the NTC. Ministers agreed that there should not be automatic indexation of the NTC's budget, but that for future years the NTC should present a work programme based on maintenance of real funding levels for consideration by ATC. NRTC Commissioner Vacancy Ministers appointed Mr Alex Gallacher to act as a Commissioner of the NRTC until the organisation is formally replaced by the NTC. Mr Des Powell was appointed as an observer to assist the transition to the NTC. At the next ATC meeting, ministers will consider further the appointment of people with rail expertise as NTC Commissioners. Rail Industry Participation in Regulatory Reform Ministers noted that the target date for transfer of ownership of the Code of Practice for the Defined Interstate Rail Network from the Commonwealth to a rail code management company was 1 July 2003. To support the cooperative arrangements for regulatory reform being put in place, with the transfer of ownership of the Code and the establishment of the NTC, ministers agreed the text of a Memorandum of Understanding with the rail code management company. This sets out the proposed roles of the rail industry and government in advancing regulatory reform and will be signed prior to the rail industry assuming ownership of the Code. Establishment of Joint Rail Accreditation System Ministers agreed to develop a joint national rail accreditation system, comprising the States and the Northern Territory. The joint accreditation system will be based on the following initial principles:
Ministers agreed that a high-level SCOT group should develop a proposal outlining the scope and nature of the system and how it will be implemented. The group will be chaired by Bruce Wilson, Director General of Queensland Transport. It will include representatives from the Commonwealth, States and the Northern Territory, and the NRTC. Ministers will also invite a senior rail industry representative to join the group. AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (ALGA)Ministers formally recognised the significant contribution to the development and use of Australia's transport network by local government. Ministers agreed that a protocol would be developed that would outline the contribution of ALGA in ATC deliberations. NATIONAL LAND TRANSPORT PLANMinisters noted the progress of AusLink and agreed that its implementation will require a high level of cooperation between the Commonwealth, and state, territory and local governments to reflect the priorities of all levels. Ministers agreed to a special meeting of ATC to be held after the AusLink White Paper has been released. Ministers also agreed to commence the preparation of a new Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on Land Transport, and requested SCOT to further develop the proposed National Network. They also asked SCOT to prepare an outline of the format and contents of the IGA, including draft Principles for consideration by Ministers at the special ATC AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING POLICYMinisters considered a paper presented by Minister McTiernan on Australia's coastal shipping policy. Ministers noted that a comprehensive review of coastal shipping will emerge from the Sharp/Morris report commissioned by the Australian Shipowners Association. Ministers asked SCOT to provide an analysis of this report for the next meeting of ATC and advise on steps that could be taken to enhance the competitiveness of Australian shipping. AUSTRALIAN LOGISTICS COUNCIL (ALC)Ministers agreed to continue support for implementation of the Australian Logistics Industry Strategy through SCOT and the Australian Freight Councils Network and the Integrated Logistics Network. Ministers also endorsed adoption by the logistics sector of the EAN.UCC open universal global standards for communication, data collection and the exchange of information. Ministers welcomed New Zealand's expression of interest to be involved in the ALC. ROAD SAFETYHoliday Period Road Fatalities Ministers noted the findings of the study on The Characteristics of Fatal Crashes During the Christmas/New Year Holiday Period conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The study found that there was no significant difference in the daily fatality rate between the 2002/03 Christmas/New Year holiday period (4.5 deaths per day) and the rest of 2002 (4.8 deaths per day). Ministers considered that the increased enforcement, publicity and fatigue-reduction measures implemented during holiday periods are evidently effective in containing the fatality rates during these periods. Ministers agreed that the findings of the study would be referred to the National Road Safety Strategy Panel and used in the development of National Road Safety Action Plans. The report is available at www.atsb.gov.au Advancing Road Safety with Industry Noting the continuing high rate of fatalities among young and inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists, Ministers directed that an Austroads working group review relevant national and international research, and consult with relevant stakeholders including vehicle manufacturers and motoring organisations on proposals for a best-practice national program of driver education. The working group was directed to report in time for the ATC meeting in November 2003 with a summary report and recommendations for discussion to cover all new provisional license holders that is focused on attitudes and risk-taking, and takes account of existing jurisdictional arrangements. Contribution of Speeding to Traffic Crashes Ministers noted the continuing significance of speeding as a major factor in national road fatalities and in crash severity. Ministers reiterated the continuing importance of road safety action plans based on targeting speeding together with other major factors, such as fatigue, alcohol, seatbelts and driver education. Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Safety Recognising the increasing numbers of 4WD vehicles on Australia's roads, Ministers noted that particular road safety risks can arise with these vehicles including collisions with infants and young children (such as when reversing in private driveways). Ministers supported NSW, on behalf of ATC, seeking the development of an Australian Standard for reversing aids in 4WDs and other large vehicles, including development of technical standards with Standards Australia. RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSINGSMinisters agreed to the recommendations of SCOT Rail Group to adopt a national strategic approach to managing safety at railway level crossings, including the National Railway Level Crossing Safety Strategy, developed in response to ATC's August 2002 request. Ministers also agreed that issues raised in their discussions, including the outcomes of the recent Salisbury level crossing incident and proposal for the national adoption of a matrix for assessing risk at railway level crossings, be managed through the implementation of the National Railway Level Crossing Safety Strategy. THIRD HEAVY VEHICLE REFORM PACKAGE - PROGRESSMinisters noted progress of the Third Heavy Vehicle Reform Package involving a comprehensive set of reforms to achieve safety, productivity and environmental objectives for road transport. Ministers also noted the progress made by jurisdictions with the implementation of road transport reforms from the initial Reform Modules and the First and Second Heavy Vehicle Reform Packages. NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY STRATEGYMinisters approved the adoption of the National Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy and Action Plan, and agreed to a national launch. The Strategy was developed by a working group of government and industry bodies led by the NRTC and the ATSB. Ministers noted that the Strategy had strong support from industry and would make a significant contribution towards the broader national goal of a 40 per cent reduction in the fatality rate by 2010. The improvement in heavy vehicle safety would be achieved through increased seat-belt-wearing by heavy vehicle drivers, safer roads, more effective enforcement and speed management, reduced driver impairment, and safer vehicles. Ministers noted that the Action Plan for 2003-2005 sets priority actions for government and industry stakeholders to work cooperatively toward a reduction in fatalities associated with heavy vehicles. NATIONAL TRANSPORT SECRETARIAT (NTS)Ministers congratulated NTS on its Transport Futures Direction document, which outlines the views of senior industry and government representatives on the challenges facing the sector. Ministers commended the document to the National Transport Advisory Council (NTAC) to guide its deliberations and for further development of a national transport strategy. Ministers recorded their appreciation for the significant contribution made by NTS MARITIME ISSUESNational Standard for Australian Builder's Plate for Recreational Boats (ABP Standard) Ministers endorsed the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats Standard (ABP Standard), and the Australia wide uniform adoption of the standard through marine legislation effective from 1 July 2005. The ABP Standard will improve the safety of recreational boats and raise public awareness of boat safety. All jurisdictions and the recreational boating industry were involved in its development. The ABP Standard, formerly known as the National Compliance Plate, was developed through the National Marine Safety Committee. National Place of Refuge Risk Assessment Guidelines Ministers endorsed the National Place of Refuge Risk Assessment Guidelines developed by the National Plan Management Committee. The Guidelines will complement existing actions and procedures undertaken by Commonwealth and State/Northern Territory maritime authorities. They provide a comprehensive basis for a common national approach to places of refuge. In light of recent events overseas, the Guidelines are a timely addition to current arrangements. SMARTCARD TICKETING AND TOLLINGMinisters endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding which will facilitate cooperation between governments and industry on achieving interoperability of smartcards for public transport. NEXT MEETINGThere will be a special ATC meeting in August to discuss AusLink. The next regular meeting will be in Adelaide in November 2003.
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
Last Updated: 9 June, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
