The National Transport Commission (NTC) has welcomed the commitment of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to national transport reform including progress on national regulators, long-term planning for capital cities and a strengthened capacity for the NTC to focus on regulatory reform.

"COAG's decision is an important next step towards a sustainable national transport system with less red tape, higher productivity and better safety outcomes," said Nick Dimopoulos, Chief Executive, NTC.

Mr Dimopoulos said NTC is pleased with the findings of the NTC Review.

"The review acknowledges the important contribution the NTC has made towards national transport reform to date, and recognises that there is more to be done across road, rail and intermodal transport reform to meet the challenges facing the nation."

COAG today:

• agreed that South Australia will host the national rail safety regulator;
• agreed to consider National Partnership Agreements for a single national heavy vehicle regulator in first half of 2010;
• agreed to establish a strengthened regulators' panel for rail to harmonise rail safety regulation while a national regulator is being established;
• agreed to strategic planning criteria for capital cities, which will help integrate urban planning with transport systems across all levels of government;
• agreed to a detailed work plan for delivery of the pricing elements of the COAG Road Reform Plan, including a feasibility study to be completed by December 2011; and
• agreed to release the report of the National Transport Commission (NTC) Review, which recommends an expanded role for the NTC in reform implementation planning.

 For further information please visit www.coag.gov.au

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Kathryn Hodges, Manager Public Affairs, Mobile: 0418 662 062, Email: khodges@ntc.gov.au