According to NTC Chief Executive and Commissioner, Paul Retter, 2012-13 marked the beginning of a new era for the Australian transport industry.
“The commencement of the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and new National Rail Safety Regulator in January 2013 means that for the first time since federation, Australia will have a single set of heavy vehicle and rail safety laws,” he said.
“We are proud of our role in leading the development of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Rail Safety National Law in collaboration with our reform partners and the NTC is committed to continuing to support their successful establishment.
“In addition, emerging technologies such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems and Electronic Work Diaries will fundamentally change the landscape in which the NTC will lead future reforms.”
Mr Retter also said that in accordance with the outcomes of the 2012 Review of the NTC and other transport bodies, during 2012-13 the NTC has placed high priority on reforms such as the delivery of the heavy vehicle charges determination.
“Formal working relationships with the regulators are also being established as a priority, together with changes to the NTC’s strategic planning process and performance reporting. These changes will strengthen the NTC and ensure we continue to deliver value to our stakeholders into the future,” he added.
There were a number of key highlights from the 2012-13 financial year including the NTC adopting a “co-design” approach, with stakeholders to explore a range of improvements to the current heavy vehicle charging system to ensure it is more practical and fair. The NTC’s collaborative approach to this work will continue throughout the next stage of the project, which will include making specific recommendations on what the charges should be.