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Insider
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Transport & Infrastructure News
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What’s inside? A quick look at what’s in today’s edition: |
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1. CEO Update
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Leadership, reform and recognition |
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2. Policy News
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Federal Budget maintains $120m transport infrastructure pipeline |
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3. Program
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TA Fellowship Program |
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4. Upcoming Events
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Full June lineup – NSW, VIC, SA and WA |
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5. People Moves
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Latest appointments from across the transport sector |
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6. Industry News
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Latest developments across the transport sector |
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CEO UPDATE |
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Congratulations to our 31st John Shaw Medallist, Dr Gillian Miles AM, and thank you to all award winners and guests who helped make the John Shaw Dinner and the Transforming Transport Summit such a success.
It was a very special milestone for our organisation and for our industry.
At the Summit, we saw the scale of the opportunity in front of us.
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We talked about how we fund the network for the future, how we build community trust, and how we make sure every dollar invested in transport delivers stronger performance, safer journeys and better outcomes for Australians. The clear message was that transport has never mattered more. At the John Shaw Dinner, we celebrated the people whose work gives us confidence in what this sector can achieve.
The John Shaw Medal, Transport Australia’s highest honour, recognises Gill’s significant contribution over more than three decades of public service. Gill has strengthened transport in Australia, advanced national collaboration, and helped build a sector more focused on safety, inclusion, reform and public value.
Congratulations also to Aimee Wescombe, winner of the Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence, Stuart Cook, winner of the Fellowship Alumni Award, and Claudia Elfar, winner of the Emerging Leaders Award.
These award recipients join a remarkable tradition, people whose work strengthens not just projects and organisations, but the capability and confidence of the entire industry.
Events like this are also a reminder that the strength of the sector comes from connection between disciplines, between jurisdictions, and between the many people who help shape how Australians move, work and live every day. |
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Be part of the conversation. Send your news and updates to Insider.
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POLICY NEWS |
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Federal Budget maintains $120m transport infrastructure pipeline
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The Federal Budget confirms transport remains central to Australia’s productivity, safety, housing and liveability.
The Government has maintained the more than $120 billion 10-year transport infrastructure pipeline, with welcome long-term investment across road, rail, active transport, supporting confidence, planning and delivery across the sector.
We particularly welcome the $1.2 billion Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and the additional investment in national road safety research announced at our Transforming Transport Summit. Better data and expert advice will help target investment where it can save lives.
The Budget also recognises transport as an enabler of housing, including through $2 billion for enabling infrastructure. This aligns with our Valuing Australia’s Transport Network report and positions transport as the enabler of productivity, liveability and growth.
But the Budget also underlines the challenge ahead. Short-term funding through the Infrastructure Investment Program has reduced, and long-term network investment remains exposed.
Australia needs a more sustainable approach to transport funding. That means progressing road user charging reform and having a mature national conversation about how we pay for the network Australians rely on every day.
Transport Australia will continue to work with members and governments to support evidence-led investment, safer movement, stronger productivity and a more integrated transport system. |
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April crash data reinforces need for national focus
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Preliminary April data shows 121 people lost their lives on Australian roads last month, 20 per cent above the five-year monthly average. This result reinforces a longer-term trend: road deaths have increased over the past five years, leaving Australia significantly off track to meet the National Road Safety Strategy target of halving fatalities by 2030.
During National Road Safety Week 2026, Transport Australia has joined the Safer Australian Roads and Highways Group and the Australasian College of Road Safety in calling for a renewed national focus on practical, proven road safety measures, including safer speeds, better maintained roads, safer vehicles, improved infrastructure and stronger protection for people walking, riding and driving.
In 2025, 1,314 people died on Australian roads, up from 1,292 in 2024. Preliminary data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics shows 443 people have died since 1 January 2026, including 121 people in April alone.
These figures are a stark reminder that Australia is not on track to meet its 2030 road safety target. Behind every number is a person who did not make it home from an ordinary trip to work, school, the shops or out in their community.
The National Road Safety Strategy is clear about where we need to be by 2030, but the latest data shows we are moving further away from that goal. That should sharpen our collective focus on the measures we know save lives. |
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Transforming Transport Summit: trust, reform and the road ahead
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Road user charging reform dominated discussion at the Summit, with a clear through-line: Australians will support change when they trust where the money goes. That trust, speakers argued, is ultimately secured through legislation.
Senator Bridget McKenzie emphasised that road user charge revenue should be explicitly locked back into the road network. Former Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas reinforced the point, calling for a fully legislated, “boots and all” hypothecated model to enable genuine public confidence in reform.
Across the Summit, a consistent set of themes emerged. Transport underpins housing, energy and productivity. Integrated outcomes require integrated planning. Maintenance is a core part of resilience, not a secondary consideration. And safety must be designed into the network, not layered on after the fact.
From housing delivery to freight performance, the message was consistent: system outcomes depend on system thinking, backed by clear funding signals and disciplined delivery. |
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PROGRAM |
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2026 Fellowship Program
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Transport Australia’s 2026 Fellows will come together in Melbourne next week for the Fellowship Mid-Year Workshop, bringing the national cohort together for two days of leadership development, sector insights and professional connection.
The program will open with a presentation skills session led by Mariette Rups-Donnelly, followed by a leadership in action keynote and Q&A with 2026 Fellowship Alumni Award winner Stuart Cook.
Fellows will also hear from John Holland’s Steve Tolley on lessons from industry leadership, Associate Professor Brad Hasting from Sydney University’s John Gill Institute for Project Management, and Dr Paula Mitchell on leading under pressure, fatigue, sleep and executive decision-making.
Day two with include sessions exploring wellbeing in infrastructure, performance management and critical conversations, and reflections from Fellowship alumni.
The mid-year dinner will bring Fellows and mentors together for a keynote address from An Nguyen, CEO of North East Link State Tolling Corporation, offering insights from one of Australia’s most prominent female leaders on delivery, leadership and the capabilities needed to shape Australia’s future transport system. |
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TBM boring machine named after TA Fellow Alumni
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Fellow Alumni Isolde Shepherd-Piet has been honoured with a Suburban Rail Loop East tunnel boring machine (TBM) named after her.
One of eight TBMs set to carve out Suburban Rail Loop East, ‘TBM Issy’ recognises the trail-blazing legacy of Isolde who became the first female TBM pilot in the world more than 20 years ago.
Today, she is leading construction on the SRL East twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley, overseeing all of Suburban Connect‘s tunnelling crews – including the world’s first all-women TBM crew.
Chosen by students from primary schools along the alignment, each TBM name honours an inspiring Victorian woman who has broken new ground in her field, from health advocates and artists to community leaders.
Keep an eye on TA News and Insider for details about how to apply for the 2027 Fellowship Program later this year. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Josh Murray Industry Lunch | Sydney | 11 June
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Join Transport Australia on 11 June as Josh Murray, Secretary of Transport for NSW delivers a keynote on the future of transport in New South Wales.
Mr Murray will share the NSW Government’s priorities for planning, delivering and maintaining the transport network.
The event runs from 12pm to 2.30pm at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney.
It is proudly supported by SMEC. Places are limited. |
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Gabrielle Williams MP Industry Lunch | Melbourne | 24 June
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Join us on 24 June in Melbourne to hear from Minister Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport and Minister for Women and Girls.
This is your chance to hear directly from the Minister overseeing Victoria’s biggest transport projects. The lunch continues with the conversation sparked at our Summit, exploring how we can unlock innovation, boost productivity and deliver better infrastructure for growing communities.
The event is proudly supported by Arcadis. |
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Sally Stannard Industry Lunch | Brisbane | 26 June
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Join Transport Australia in Brisbane on 26 June, for a timely industry lunch with Sally Stannard, Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and TA Board Director.
The discussion comes just two days after the Federal Budget is handed down, and will look beyond the Budget itself to explore Queensland’s long-term transport pipeline, the balance between new investment and business-as-usual maintenance, and the delivery challenges facing one of Australia’s fastest-growing states.
Event sponsor: Stantec. |
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Joe Szakacs MP Industry Lunch | Adelaide | 30 June
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Join Transport Australia on 30 June to hear from newly appointed South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs MP.
Minister Szakacs will explore how to unlock innovation, boost industry productivity and deliver better value infrastructure for growing communities.
The event runs from 12pm to 2.30pm at Adelaide Oval (Ian McLachlan Room).
Event sponsor: SMEC. |
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PATRICK SEARES INDUSTRY LUNCH | WA | 30 JUNE |
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Join Transport Australia for an industry briefing on Westport and the future of WA’s freight and port network.
Keynote insights from Patrick Seares, Managing Director of the Westport Program, will outline the strategic vision and delivery priorities for one of Australia’s most significant port transformations. The briefing will also explore how industry can prepare for future delivery and the environmental considerations shaping the project, including the protection of seagrass in Cockburn Sound.
Proudly sponsored by Arcadis.
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS |
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Historic John Shaw Dinner puts women at the heart of transport's future
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The 2026 John Shaw Dinner in Melbourne marked a historic milestone for the industry as women secured three of four prestigious industry awards.
Dr Gillian Miles AM said she hoped the recognition of women across the awards would encourage more young women to see transport as a long-term career pathway.
“My biggest wish would be that this encourages young women to join transport, young women to move through the system and to see transport as offering a whole career,” Dr Miles said.
“To see women win awards, to have their work acknowledged and to be part of the conversation about the future of transport in this country is incredibly important.”
The evening also highlighted the depth of talent in technical and leadership developing across the industry.
Aimee Wescombe received the Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence for her work in road safety. She advised those entering the field to “find that passion, something that gives you the edge, that drives your daily work.”
Claudia Elfar, winner of the Emerging Leader Award, noted that the recognition provides validation and a stronger voice for newer professionals. She challenges her peers to focus on making a measurable impact from day one.
Stuart Cook accepted the Fellowship Alumni Award for years of dedicated service. He reflected his professional network had evolved “tenfold”, and encouraging people to contribute beyond their daily responsibilities. |
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Trans-Tasman Delegation: Insights and fresh perspectives
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The full Trans-Tasman Delegation program concluded with outstanding feedback from our New Zealand guests, delivering powerful, practical takeaways for both sides of the Tasman.
Delivered with our partner Arup, the tour gave leaders behind-the-scenes access to the people running Australia’s biggest transport projects. They visited live sites and took part in Chatham House rules workshops and conversations about what works and what doesn’t.
- Theresa Wells (GHD): “We came home with fresh perspectives, stronger connections, and a renewed confidence.”
- Jess Andrew (NZTA Waka Kotahi): “A valuable opportunity to hear on innovation, strengths, challenges, and learnings to inform continuous improvement.”
The program supports the cross-border partnerships we need to deliver safer, more efficient transport pipelines for the future. |
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PEOPLE MOVES |
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Dr Collette Burke is the new Chair of the Inland Rail Board. |
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Dr Sean Sweeney is the new CEO for City Rail Link Ltd. |
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Brian Downie has started as CEO – Australian Business at MTR Corporation. |
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Angie Doll appointed as Managing Director Rail, Australia and New Zealand, at the Go-Ahead Group, overseeing rail expansion in both countries. |
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Jade Sarah, Transport Australia current Fellow, has moved to BG&E as their Senior Associate – Civil. |
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Trent Williams, a 2026 Transport Australia Fellow, has been appointed Business Leader, Transport in Queensland at Stantec. |
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INDUSTRY NEWS |
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Sydney's first electric bus depot breaks ground
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Construction officially commenced on Sydney’s first purpose-built $230 million electric bus depot in Macquarie Park.
The design and construction contract for the state-of-the-art facility has been awarded to tier-one civil engineering firm Fulton Hogan Construction.
Jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments, the site will feature 75kW and 150kW plug-in fast-charging infrastructure to support a fleet of 150 zero-emission electric buses.
The depot serves as a primary launchpad for NSW’s broader legislative commitment to transition its entire 8,000-plus diesel and gas public bus fleet over the next two decades. |
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New Tonkin Highway Interchange fast-tracked
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A fast-tracked design and construction tender will open soon for a brand-new interchange on the Tonkin Highway.
Main Roads WA has just released the new site plans for the project.
The new overpass interchange will sit strategically between Ellenbrook and Muchea. It is designed to open up new housing developments in the fast-growing northern suburbs while significantly improving regional freight flow along this busy route. |
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Get in front of industry. Contribute to the next edition of Insider, out 4 June.
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