COAG Backs Major Changes In Transport Safety Regulation

The decision by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) earlier this month to establish new national regulatory arrangements for rail, road and marine safety represents a significant expansion of Commonwealth involvement in areas traditionally within the State and Territory sphere. However, until the reforms are in place, questions will continue to be asked about whether the move is necessary or able to deliver the productivity benefits that COAG is seeking to achieve.

National Regulators For Rail, Road And Marine Safety

On 2 July 2009, COAG outlined in a communiqué that it agreed to proceed with a suite of national regulatory changes for maritime safety, rail safety and heavy vehicles. The key initiatives involve the establishment of national regulatory arrangements in each of the transport modes currently regulated largely at State level.