Monday, 2 December 2024
Austroads has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, highlighting significant progress in driving safety, digital transformation, and harmonisations across the Australian and New Zealand transport sectors.
Over the past year, the organisation has worked on a range of critical projects aimed at enhancing the transport system across both countries.
Pioneering digital driver licences and national trust service
In 2023-24, Austroads undertook work to progress the adoption of the international ISO 18013-5 standard for digital driver licences (DDLs) by its members. This landmark initiative will harmonise DDLs and digital credentials across Australia, enabling secure verification of credentials like proof-of-age IDs. Austroads played a key role in developing the standard alongside global partners, ensuring privacy, security, and compatibility, both locally and internationally.
To support these advancements, Austroads is collaborating with governments to establish a National Digital Trust Service (DTS). The DTS will ensure state sovereignty over driver licensing systems and empower individuals to securely share verified credentials while preserving data privacy. A demonstration of these digital innovations took place during the IVC24 Summit in Sydney on 3–5 October 2024.
Revolutionising heavy vehicle licensing and safety
Austroads continues its comprehensive review of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework, aimed at increasing safety and harmonising training standards for heavy vehicle drivers nationwide. With Transport Ministers endorsing a nationally consistent approach, Austroads is now working with jurisdictions and industry to roll out these reforms over the coming years.
Modernising road safety and access systems
Significant progress has been made on the National Automated Access System (NAAS), designed to streamline heavy vehicle access management while safeguarding community safety and road infrastructure. Stage 1 has delivered key outcomes, including a legal review and high-level operational concepts.
The Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) also achieved new milestones, with a commitment to publish star ratings for all arterial roads by 2025. Austroads has set a national goal of ensuring at least 80% of travel occurs on roads rated 3 stars or better by 2030.
Austroads conducted a world-first bridge barrier crash test this year to update its design guidelines. The test involved an articulated truck traveling at 90 km/h and used test dummies in light vehicles representing a small adult woman and a child—both firsts. Held in Christchurch, New Zealand, the crash test validated the new barrier design against Australian Standards and AASHTO guidelines. The results will inform improved bridge barrier design and maintenance practices across Australia.
Austroads' National Harmonisation of Temporary Traffic Management project has made significant progress in improving road worksite safety. This year, the National Training Framework for Temporary Traffic Management was rolled out in four jurisdictions, with over 2,500 practitioners trained and 33 training providers certified.
Training and health standards for industry professionals
To address safety concerns around road barrier installations, the Austroads Safety Hardware Training and Accreditation Scheme (ASHTAS) became mandatory in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria on 1 July 2024, with over 1,000 individuals completing the training.
Recognising the importance of driver health, Austroads surveyed over 500 medical practitioners to identify barriers in conducting fitness-for-duty assessments for commercial drivers. The findings informed a strategy to improve communication and education within the transport industry, ensuring safer and healthier practices.
Looking ahead, Austroads is modernising its technology and data infrastructure to support emerging technologies and strengthen governance. By adopting cloud technologies and enhancing stakeholder engagement, Austroads is ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation in the transport sector.
"Austroads’ work this year reflects our commitment to innovation and collaboration, ensuring Australia and New Zealand lead in transport safety, technology, and efficiency," said Geoff Allan, Austroads Chief Executive.
"This year, Austroads has seen an unprecedented level of demand for our services, and we’ve risen to meet that challenge with enhanced capability. It is vital that we continue to deliver the high-quality services our members expect, and that requires continuous adaptation and improvement. Our focus is always on delivering trusted, cutting-edge solutions for our members and stakeholders,” he added.
View Austroads Annual Report 2023-24.
Learn more about the Austroads 2023-27 Strategic Plan.