Dr Ingrid Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), joined leading experts at the National Future Transport Summit at the Brisbane City Hall on 17 September. The Summit focused on maximising the potential of Connected and Automated Transport (CAT), bringing together government, industry, academia and community groups to chart a safer, more sustainable and productive transport future.
The Summit considered a comprehensive set of proposed recommendations, developed collaboratively by the Summit Consortium and informed by public consultation. These included prioritising safety through connected and automated technologies, harnessing advanced vehicle data to inform policy and infrastructure, and establishing a nationally coordinated innovation and testing ecosystem. Other priorities spanned productivity, sustainability, social legitimacy, infrastructure, and national collaboration.
At the Summit, Dr Johnston addressed the safety recommendations, noting that while there is enormous potential for CAT to reduce deaths and serious injuries, it alone will not eliminate error. Technology needs to be supported by a strong safety framework recognising the complexity of road safety to ensure that the roads are made safe for all road users, not just those in vehicles, and in all circumstances.
A particular focus was ensuring that connected and automated transport contributed to Australia’s target of zero deaths and serious injuries, while also addressing broader community needs. The recommendations highlighted the importance of accessibility, equity, and public trust in building legitimacy for emerging transport technologies.
The Summit was spearheaded by the Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT) and marked the first time such a diverse and influential coalition convened to shape the nation’s transport future. Outcomes from the event were consolidated into a set of agreed recommendations, setting the foundation for policy, industry and community action in the years ahead.
Read the National Future Transport Summit Communique here.
