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18 November 2005, HobartAustralian, state and territory Transport Ministers met in
Transport Security The recent terrorist attacks in Bali and In this light, Australian Transport Ministers welcome the COAG decisions of 27 September and reaffirm their commitment to taking action that further secures
In addition our Governments have agreed to:
Transport Ministers will also contribute to the development of an integrated approach to managing the security of key transport precincts. Transport Ministers ask operators, their staff and the public to continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or items. In support of this, Transport Ministers have agreed to establish a working group of officials to work with the Inspector of Transport Security, Mr Mick Palmer AO APM to report on the effectiveness of:
EMERGENCY TOWAGE AND RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS A landmark agreement crucial to the ongoing protection of The agreed system is based on private sector provision of appropriate maritime assets located at strategic locations around the coastline. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is tasked under the arrangements with the role of the national decision-maker and co-ordinator on emergency towage issues. Key features of the agreed arrangements include:
The agreement will also facilitate expeditious resolution of the tender outcome for the
MARITIME SAFETY JURISDICTION – 500 GROSS TONNAGE OPTION Ministers re-affirmed their support for altering the jurisdictional basis for vessel safety regulation, an initiative which was initially proposed in 1999 but did not proceed to legislation. Currently the Commonwealth regulates trading vessels on interstate and overseas voyages, while the States regulate those on intrastate voyages. Ministers agreed to allow the Commonwealth, through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, to have clear responsibility for the regulation of safety for all Australian trading vessels 500 tons and over in Australian waters, all Australian trading vessels voyaging overseas and all foreign flagged trading vessels in Australian waters. The States would have responsibility for all Australian trading vessels under 500 tons in Australian waters, regardless of whether they undertake interstate or intrastate voyages. It is not proposed to alter coverage of fishing, offshore industry or recreational vessels. This initiative will improve the efficiency of safety regulation and reduce the administrative and cost burden on businesses. Amendments will be effected through the Commonwealth Navigation Act 1912.
At the meeting Ministers noted the substantial progress made by the National Transport Commission (NTC) on the development of the model Rail Safety (Reform) Bill (the model bill). The model bill is based on policy reform objectives agreed to unanimously by Ministers after the last meeting in June 2005. All jurisdictions and industry demonstrated their commitment to achieving nationally consistent rail safety laws. Once the model bill has been approved, jurisdictions will be able to implement the model bill through their legislative processes in 2006.
3RD HEAVY VEHICLE PRICING DETERMINATION Following discussions, Ministers noted that the NTC proposals for an updated national set of heavy vehicle charges have been developed in line with previous ATC decisions. Ministers agreed to receive a further assessment and analysis from the NTC regarding the public comments made on the Regulatory Impact Statement and to formally consider the NTC proposal, through established procedures, in February 2006.
Ministers provided in-principle endorsement for the development of a reform package, which encourages the take-up of cleaner engines, front underrun protection and improved cab strength. The proposal would deliver significant environmental benefits and reduce the severity of accidents involving trucks. Compliant new vehicles will be able to operate with a higher front axle mass to reflect the additional weight of these devices. Ministers requested that the NTC undertake the necessary analysis and consultation with industry before presenting a detailed proposal for Ministers consideration in 2006.
Ministers recognised the importance of heavy vehicle productivity in the face of predicted growth in the freight task. It was also acknowledged that operators should be encouraged to demonstrate good business practices, such as mass and maintenance management, through third party accreditation. In-principle support was given by Council for accredited operators to carry marginally higher loads, similar to schemes piloted over the past five years. The NTC was asked to develop and co-ordinate the implementation of Concessional Mass Limits early in 2006. Nationally consistent mass limits will deliver operational benefits to industry and maintain current levels of heavy vehicle productivity. Improved mass management, including maintenance of suspension systems, also reduces the impact of the freight task on road maintenance expenditure. Ministers said the reform is an example of industry and governments cooperating to address the challenge of the growing freight task through regulatory reform.
NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLAN Ministers approved the NTC's three year Strategic Plan, which outlines a more tightly focused work programme for 2006-07, including major productivity initiatives. The importance and potential of continued regulatory reform in the land transport sector was acknowledged.
Ministers agreed to a number of cooperative initiatives to improve Ministers agreed that while many congestion problems have features that are specific to the cities involved, there are important underlying themes common to the experience of most Australian cities. This reinforced the importance and potential benefits of greater cooperation between governments.
Ministers approved voluntary National Guidelines for Risk Assessment of School Bus Routes. These Guidelines will provide a framework to assist with the development of school bus safety policies. The approach identifies three environments to assist with the assessment of school bus routes and provides examples of treatments which jurisdictions can choose to apply.
Ministers noted that there have been fewer advertisements featuring unsafe or inappropriate driving behaviours since the revised FCAI Voluntary Code of Practice for Motor Vehicle Advertising came into effect in July 2004. Ministers also noted that road safety agencies continue to have concerns about the operation of the Code and that arrangements were being made for further consultation with the vehicle industry. Ministers noted that a comprehensive review of the code and its administration would be undertaken in the second half of 2006.
Ministers examined a report on progress towards the National Road Safety Strategy target of no more than 5.6 deaths per 100,000 people by 2010. Ministers noted that while fatality trends had been broadly on track at the end of 2004, but that at the end of September 2005, the 12-month fatality rate was 8.0 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with a rate of 7.3 needed to maintain exact pro-rata progress towards the 2010 target. Ministers supported that a comprehensive review of implementation, outcomes and priorities under the National Strategy to take place in 2006. The review will inform the development of the next two-year Action Plan, for 2007 and 2008.
Ministers endorsed the Australian National Cycling Strategy 2005 - 2010 which aims to increase participation in cycling to enhance the well-being of all Australians as well as improve safety for all cyclists. The Strategy provides a framework that will ensure that the resources already being spent each year by governments on cycling are used effectively. NEXT MEETING
The ATC meeting was attended by:
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Last Updated: 30 November, 2005 |
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