Australia Yearbook - 2001

822 Year Book Australia 2001
Transport organisations
General
Australian Transport Council
The Australian Transport Council was established
on 11 June 1993, subsuming the functions of the
Australian Transport Advisory Council.
It comprises Commonwealth, State, Territory and
New Zealand Ministers responsible for transport,
roads, marine and ports matters. The Papua New
Guinea Minister for Civil Aviation, and the
Australian Local Government Association are also
represented on the Council as observers.
The Council meets biannually; its primary role is
to review and coordinate various aspects of
transport policy, development and
administration. The Council initiates discussion
and reports on issues raised by Council members,
and provides advice to governments on the
coordination and integration of all transport and
road policy issues at a national level.
Bureau of Transport Economics (BTE)
The Bureau of Transport Economics (BTE) is a
centre for applied economic research in the
Commonwealth Department of Transport and
Regional Services. It undertakes studies and
investigations that contribute to an improved
understanding of the factors influencing the
efficiency and growth of the transport sector and
the development of effective transport policies.
The BTE also undertakes consultancy work for a
number of external agencies.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
was created as an independent Division-level unit
within the Department of Transport and Regional
Services on 1 July 1999. It deals with the
non-regulatory aspects of air, sea, rail and road
safety.
Air and Sea
Using a ‘no blame’ whole-of-system approach,
ATSB investigates accidents, incidents and safety
deficiencies, and analyses safety data to prevent
repeat occurrences and to minimise the effects of
those that do eventuate. As a Commonwealth
body the Bureau has legislative authority to
investigate cases involving all civilian aircraft and
large marine vessels. It works independently of
regulators such as the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority, Airservices Australia, and the Australian
Maritime Safety Authority.
Rail
ATSB’s Rail Safety Unit will adopt a similar
no-blame systems approach to rail safety
investigations on the interstate rail track when
Commonwealth legislation has been enacted. It
currently investigates, if requested, on behalf of
States and is establishing a national rail safety
database.
Road
The Bureau’s road safety activities include: the
federal road safety Black Spots program; road
safety research and statistical analysis; the
National Road Safety Strategy; and vehicle recall
investigations (reflecting the Commonwealth
Government’s responsibilities under the Trade
Practices Act).
The Bureau works closely with the States and
Territories, which investigate road accidents.
Road
AUSTROADS
AUSTROADS is the national association of road
transport and traffic authorities. It provides
strategic direction for the development,
management and use of Australia’s road system
through consultation and discussion with peak
industry bodies. The functions of AUSTROADS
are coordination of research, and preparation of
guides and standards for improvements in, and
harmonisation of, practices within an agreed
national policy framework. Its membership
comprises the six Australian State and two
Territory road authorities, the Commonwealth
Department of Transport and Regional Services,
the Australian Local Government Association and
Transit New Zealand.
ARRB Transport Research Ltd
ARRB Transport Research Ltd is a leading
provider of value added technology and research
services addressing land transport problems. The
company’s National Strategic Research Program,
performed under contract to AUSTROADS, keeps
Australia at the leading edge of developments in
the road transport industry.
ARRB Transport Research employs over
140 people who form a multidisciplinary pool of
scientists, engineers, and specialist technical and
support staff for infrastructure design, asset
management, construction quality, materials
testing, traffic operations, safety analysis,
environmental sustainability, and freight issues.