National Transport Commission

Who is the National Transport Commission?

The National Transport Commission (NTC), previously known as the National Road Transport Commission, is an Australian statutory body created to develop regulatory and operational reform for road, rail and intermodal transport.

Under Australia’s federal system, transport policy and regulatory responsibilities span across Commonwealth, state and territory, and local governments. Differences between these regulatory systems mean that national transport operators can face inconsistent regulations, creating unnecessary inefficiency and cost.

The NTC is focused on reforms which improve the productivity, safety and environmental outcomes of the Australian transport system . This has subsequently led to the development of transport regulatory policies such as Performance-Based Standards, Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue Reform and the Chain of Responsibility.

The NTC also plays a role in implementation planning to ensure reform outcomes are relevant and effective, as well as coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and maintaining the implementation of approved reforms. Recommendations and advice are presented to the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) – comprising transport, infrastructure and planning ministers – for approval by majority vote.

Based in Melbourne, Victoria, the NTC has six commissioners including a Chief Executive. Dr Gillian Miles was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2019.

Why does road safety matter to the NTC in particular in relation to workplaces?

There are many ways Australia can work together to make our roads safer. This includes areas governments are responsible for such as compliance and legislation and policy development, but it also includes encouraging thousands of Australian organisations to do their bit too.

Good organisations can have a  greater influence on their employees’ health and wellbeing than just what happens at workplaces. By supporting the NRSPP the NTC is making sure Australian organisations get the information and encouragement they need to keep their employees (and suppliers, and customers) safe on the roads.

The NRSPP provides a library of best practice road safety measures that have been proven to work. They are providing a means for companies to come together and share problems and successes in dealing with safety. There is no point keeping any road safety successes secret.  If organisations find something that works they should actively share it around – even to their competitors. The NRSPP plays a unique and effective role in doing this and are helping to drive the road toll down.

Recognition of the National Transport Commission’s contributions to NRSPP

The NRSPP was a seed that grew from the NTC in 2011 when it was first included in their work program. Over the following three years through extensive consultation with industry, government and researchers the purpose and vision of NRSPP was developed and the governance structure to deliver it.

The NTC was a Core Funder and Steering Committee for the first three years of NRSPP following its launch 5 May 2014.

As part of NTC’s implementation plan it arranged for the secondment of Jerome Carslake to the Australian Road Research Board to assist with its ongoing development. Jerome was the Manager of  Strategic Research and Planning at the NTC and the organisation’s lead in the development of the NRSPP.

Without NTC, the NRSPP would not exist today.

NTC Core Funder and SC Partner : 2014 to 2017