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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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The questions shaping the future of transport |
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2. Policy
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New survey on our nation's transport priorities |
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3. Programs
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Emerging Leaders connect across five cities |
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4. Upcoming Events
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Transforming Transport Summit, John Shaw Dinner and networking |
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5. Events
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International Women's Day highlights |
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CEO UPDATE |
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The Transforming Transport Summit is one of the most important ways we bring our members together around the big questions shaping the future of transport.
On 7 May in Melbourne, Transport Australia will convene senior leaders from across government and industry to explore how we build a safer, more sustainable and integrated transport system, one that better connects communities, supports national productivity and reflects the essential role transport plays in everyday life. |
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This year’s agenda is focused on the issues our sector is facing now right now: how we get more from the full transport network, how we maintain safety as behaviour and technology continue to evolve, what comes next for the national transport pipeline, and the long-term legacy major projects leave for the communities they serve.
These conversations will be shaped by leaders at the centre of national policy, state transport reform, infrastructure planning, road safety, technology and project delivery. From the National Transport Address by Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, to insights from Josh Murray, Secretary of Transport for NSW, Sally Stannard, Director-General of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Jeroen Weimar, Secretary of the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, the program is designed to be practical, forward-looking and grounded in the decisions shaping transport today.
Contributions from Dr Jonathan Spear, CEO of Infrastructure Victoria, Michelle Jablko, CEO of Transurban, Angus McDonald, Founder and Managing Director of Compass IoT, and Tim Pallas, former Treasurer of Victoria, will add further depth across questions of capacity, safety, sustainable funding models and system performance. More speakers will be announced in the weeks ahead.
I also encourage members to think about nominations for our awards. The John Shaw Medal, our highest individual honour, recognises an industry champion whose contribution has made a significant and lasting impact on the transport sector.
The Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence, Fellowship Alumni Award and Emerging Leaders Award will also be presented on the same evening, with all four awards to be announced at the John Shaw Dinner for the first time.
If there is someone whose leadership, contribution or achievement deserves recognition, I encourage you to nominate them via the Transport Australia website. Nominations are open now and close on 7 April 2026. |
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Be part of the conversation. Send your updates to Insider.
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POLICY NEWS |
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Transport costs shaping household budgets: survey
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A new national survey shows Australians are feeling growing pressure from a transport system that is essential to daily life but not keeping pace with demand.
Based on a national poll of more than 1,225 Australians, the findings show that transport is not just about getting from A to B. It shapes household budgets, time with family, access to work and services, and confidence in the network people rely on every day.
The research by Talbot Mills found that 44 per cent of Australians say travel time significantly affects their daily lives, while 55 per cent say travel costs have a significant impact. Concerns about the condition and performance of the network are also high, with 75 per cent worried about congestion, 78 per cent concerned about road maintenance, and 69 per cent believing the network is not being upgraded fast enough.
Importantly, the findings reinforce that Australians rely on the full transport network. Roads remain the backbone of everyday travel, but footpaths, trains and bike paths also play an important role in how people move through their communities.
The research also highlights the different pressures facing rural and metropolitan Australians, as well as distinct priorities across states, pointing to the need for smarter, more targeted reform and investment. |
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LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS |
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Emerging Leaders connect across five cities
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Thank you to our Fellowship Alumni, industry leaders and Future Leaders Committee members who supported yesterday’s Emerging Leaders speed networking breakfast events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
These events gave emerging leaders direct access to experienced mentors, practical career advice and valuable new connections across the sector. Through small-group rotations, participants explored career pathways, leadership lessons, networking and the skills needed to grow in the industry.
The sessions reflect Transport Australia’s commitment to building the future capability of the sector by investing in the people who will shape it.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and experience, and to CPB Contractors for supporting this important Emerging Leaders event series, and to Arup, Aurecon and WSP who also hosted events.
Emerging leaders are encouraged to stay connected and look out for the upcoming Transport Australia survey. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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2026 John Shaw Dinner
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The John Shaw Dinner celebrates excellence in the transport sector, and is the most prestigious event on the industry calendar, attracting more than 750 leaders from across Australia.
In 2026, the event returns to the Crown Palladium in Melbourne and for the first time will be a formal black-tie dinner and awards evening.
The highest-honour of the evening, the John Shaw Medal, recognises an industry champion who has made significant and last contributions to the transport sector both in Australia and internationally.
The Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence, the Fellowship Alumni Award, and the Emerging Leaders Award (formerly the PPP Award), will also be presented on the evening. Application forms for all four awards are open now, and close on May 7, 2026.
The 2025 John Shaw Medal was presented to David Stuart-Watt AM, and the Ray Fisher Award for Technical Excellence, was awarded to Dr Torill Pape.
Dress Code: Black-tie. |
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2026 Transforming Transport Summit
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Transforming Transport Summit: Connecting Communities, Powering the Economy
The agenda is now live for the 2026 Transforming Transport Summit: Connecting Communities, Powering the Economy.
The Summit will bring together top officials and senior leaders of industry from across Australia and New Zealand to explore new ideas for a safe, sustainable, resilient and integrated system. Speakers include:
Jim Betts: Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Sally Stannard: Director-General, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Jeroen Weimar: Secretary, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning
Josh Murray: Secretary, Transport for NSW
This is your opportunity to hear from leading industry thinkers and engage in solutions-focused conversations about critical challenges confronting our industry. The Summit presents an unparalleled opportunity to be part of the most influential conversations shaping the future of Australia’s transport sector. |
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Connect with industry at our Pre-Summit Networking event
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Join colleagues from across the industry at Ventia for a relaxed evening of networking opportunities on May 6 ahead of the 2026 Transforming Transport Summit.
The Pre-Summit Networking will kickstart an important 24 hours of transport industry dialogue, leading into the prestigious John Shaw Dinner on the evening of May 7 at Crown Palladium.
This is an occasion not to be missed, to consolidate existing relationships and build new connections with professionals from across the nation. |
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EVENTS |
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International Women's Day 2026: National Industry Lunch Series
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In March, Transport Australia marked International Women’s Day with a national series of Industry Lunches in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, bringing together leaders from across government and industry to explore how inclusion, leadership and system reform are shaping the future of Australia’s transport sector.
Across all three events, speakers challenged the sector to move beyond isolated initiatives and focus on system-level change, evidence‑led decision making and workforce strategies that enable diverse talent to thrive.
Highlights
Melbourne – Guests heard from Megan Bourke‑O’Neil, COO, Suburban Rail Loop Authority, followed by a panel featuring Isolde Piet (Suburban Connect), Struan Collins (West Gate Tunnel, CPB Contractors / John Holland JV) and Shane FitzGerald (BG&E). The discussion showcased how inclusive workforce initiatives, including the world‑first all‑female TBM crew, are delivering real outcomes on major projects.
Sydney – Dr Gillian Miles AM, Commissioner at Infrastructure Australia, delivered a keynote calling for a reset of systems that have historically been over‑optimised for one type of worker. She was joined on the panel by Carolyn Walsh (National Transport Commission / NSW EPA) and Chris Daffin (Transport for NSW), who explored how policy, procurement and project delivery can drive lasting cultural change.
Brisbane – The series concluded with Dr Torill Pape, Deputy Chief Engineer at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, sharing insights on data‑driven leadership, whole‑of‑life asset performance and building inclusive cultures. She was joined by panellists Portia Pitt (Ventia) and Mia Barnard (AECOM), discussing leadership accountability and infrastructure’s role in strengthening communities.
Thank you to all speakers, panellists and guests for contributing to a thoughtful and engaging national program. We also extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsors, CPB Contractors (Melbourne) and Ventia (Brisbane), and to our Patrons: Arcadis, Arup, CPB Contractors, SMEC, Stantec and Ventia, for their continued support. |
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Get in front of industry. Contribute to the next edition of Insider, out 9 April.
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