It has been a significant year of development and achievement for the NTC. In the last year, the NTC has more clearly shaped its program of work around the Transport and Infrastructure Council reform priorities and delivering high-value reforms. We had an ambitious program of work which we delivered across four reform portfolios – future technologies, productivity, safety and sustainability. Some of our achievements over the year were:

• Developed the National Rail Action Plan and launched straight into implementation with three joint-industry and government committees to progress actions on interoperability, harmonisation and skills and labour reform.
• Delivered a comprehensive engagement program on the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law to inform the final recommendations of the review in 2020–21. On this review alone we’ve had 200 formal submissions and more than 350 informal comments on our dedicated website. This supplements several nationwide workshops, bringing together government, industry and the community to shape the next phase of the review.
• Recommended a national approach to regulating automated vehicles when they are commercially deployed on our roads. Transport ministers agreed to work towards this approach which includes a national regulator and a national law, supported by a general safety duty.
• The continued delivery, alongside these major reforms, of our regular full program of reviews and legislative amendments to ensure laws, regulations and other instruments are up-to-date and fit for purpose.
• Ongoing progress on a number of reforms across all our portfolios, including better management of driver distraction, motorised mobility devices and the transport of dangerous goods.

Underpinning our ability to deliver this work has been the progress we've made on streamlining the way we work to be more agile and collaborative: a modern and high-performing organisation.

These changes proved pivotal in our response to COVID-19 when, as a Melbourne-based agency, we had to rapidly transition to a complete remote work setting for the last quarter of the reporting year (and beyond). I have been impressed by the commitment and professionalism shown by staff during this extended period of work from home and thank each and every one for their valuable contribution. Their collective effort in making remote working a success has enabled the NTC to continue engaging with its partners to deliver a successful year’s work.

I am pleased to report the organisation has continued to achieve—and in some cases exceed—all targets for the reporting year. And I extend my thanks to fellow Commissioners for their guidance and support as the NTC embraces more modern ways of working to continue delivering high-quality, valued work while leading national land transport reform.

Gillian Miles
Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner