Communique for the 17th Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting

The 17th Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting (ITMM) was held in Melbourne today.

Ministerial Priorities

Ministers were briefed on and acknowledged the significant pressures facing the infrastructure and transport sectors – including capacity constraints, skills shortages and longer-term supply chain pressures. Ministers agreed these pressures brought with them a need for a strategic focus on reforms aimed at boosting national productivity.

Ministers resolved to consider a streamlined workplan in September 2022 that would guide work through to the end of 2023, with a focus on heavy vehicle safety and productivity, decarbonisation and a more consistent approach to the national infrastructure pipeline.

Ministers were briefed by Mr Ken Kanofski on his HVNL Industry Consultation report, and heard presentations on the report from the Australian Trucking Association, the National Road Transport Association, the Australian Logistics Council, the National Transport Commission and Australian Local Government Association. Ministers thanked industry representatives for their constructive engagement throughout the consultation process and committed to continue close consultation with industry as reforms progress.   

Ministers agreed to release Mr Kanofski’s report, and to progress a package of propositions recommended by Mr Kanofski that will improve safety and productivity in the heavy vehicle sector. Ministers resolved to consider further advice from officials on the best mechanism to efficiently deliver this package of reforms across all jurisdictions.

Ministers agreed to meet via telepresence in September 2022, and to meet more frequently via telepresence on an ongoing basis. Ministers further agreed to move to a rhythm of twice-yearly face to face discussions.