Any lessons for future policy? Derek Scrafton Transport Systems Centre, UniSA AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT REFORMS

Introduction Historical context The NCP factor Lessons learned What next?

Historical context 1950s - the rise of trucking 1960s - gradual deregulation 1970s - changes to railways 1980s - aviation reforms 1990s - NRC, NRTC, NCP

Air Transport Privatisation of Qantas Privatisation of major airports Relaxation of foreign ownership rules Passive response to Ansett collapse Ending regulation of airports Liberalisation of some bilaterals

Marine transport Stevedoring reform Sale of Australian National Line Use of foreign ships in domestic trades Privatisation of South Australian ports Privatisation of regional Victorian ports

Road Transport Private provision of infrastructure NRTC/NTC nationally consistent charges Performance based standards Tighter emissions & noise standards Road safety initiatives Harmonisation of technical regulation

Railways Privatisation of ANR, NRC/Freightcorp etc. Corporatisation and expansion of QR Vertical separation of some rail assets Establishment and expansion of ARTC Mandated provision of third party access Incorporation of rail matters into NTC Private passenger railways: GSR, Air links

Urban public transport Franchising tram & train services in Melbourne Contracting out bus services in SA & WA New contracting areas in NSW (after Unsworth review) Integration of service planning, fares, ticketing, etc. in SE Queensland

Summary of reforms Private funding, ownership &/or management of infrastructure & services Employment practices Operational practices Regulatory harmonisation Technical harmonisation Pricing

Lessons Deregulation – essential first step Open access – creation of markets Leadership – COAG etc Patience and determination Corporatisation – positive step Franchising/contracting out – patchy Professional support and independent advice

Next steps Residual issues, e.g. taxis, UPT, etc. Linking investment to needs Reduce parochialism and hype Tougher Treasuries Inter-modal packages of reforms Long-term framework for transport planning