2.1
This chapter outlines some of the key issues discussed during hearings on the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications portfolio on 24 and 25 May 2021 and 19 July 2021.
2.2
The committee heard from the following areas of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the department) and portfolio agencies:
Corporate Matters Divisions (Portfolio Strategy and Policy Coordination; Data, Analytics and Policy; People, Governance, Parliamentary and Communication; and Finance, Legal and IT);
Transport Divisions (Domestic Aviation and Reform; International Aviation, Technology and Services; and Surface Transport Policy);
Infrastructure Divisions (Infrastructure Investment; Major Transport and Infrastructure Projects; and Significant Project Investment Delivery Office);
Regional Divisions (Regional Development, Local Government and Regional Recovery; Cities; and Territories);
Infrastructure Australia;
National Faster Rail Agency;
Australian Rail Track Corporation;
North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority (NQWIA);
Australian Transport Safety Authority (ATSB);
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA);
Civil Aviation Safety Authority; and
National Capital Authority.
2.3
The committee also heard from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) at the spill over hearing on Monday, 19 July 2021.
Corporate Matters
2.4
Mr Simon Atkinson, Secretary of the department, read an opening statement detailing some highlights and challenges recently faced by the department including:
programs and initiatives to support the aviation industry;
the beginning of the departments $3 billion Road Safety Program; and
the completion of eight water infrastructure projects through the
National Water Grid Authority.
2.5
Evidence heard by the committee regarding the Corporate Matters Divisions included:
budget allocations to the Infrastructure Investment Program;
the department’s advertising budget and tender process; and
the department’s response to the Independent Review of the Leppington Triangle Acquisition.
Transport Divisions
2.6
Topics discussed with the Transport Divisions included:
the decision-making process into choosing destinations and regions for the Tourism Aviation Network Support program;
staffing levels and readiness of airlines to restart full international flight schedules;
the effect of the Jobkeeper program on airline employment levels;
the maintenance and upgrading of airstrips in remote communities;
department input into the fuel security package administered by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources;
aircraft noise exposure and abatement around Melbourne Airport;
the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme; and
quarantine measures for maritime workers.
2.7
The committee also heard evidence on various aspects of the
National Road Safety Strategy including the installation of audio tactile lines, truck bays, truck driver input into heavy vehicle roundtable sessions, and questions about investment to reduce road trauma.
Infrastructure Divisions
2.8
The committee received updates on several aspects of the
Infrastructure Divisions, including:
funding and timeline for infrastructure works in the Northern Territory;
the Iron Boomerang steel project;
steel imports and Australia’s sovereign ability to build infrastructure;
upgrades to the Bass Highway;
state-by-state infrastructure spending and projects;
various programs administered under the Urban Congestion Fund;
quantity and funding of commuter car parks;
updates on the Hobart Congestion Package; and
updates on termination points for the Inland Rail project.
Regional Divisions
2.9
Topics discussed with the Regional Divisions include:
various city and regional deals including Barkley, Darwin, Hobart, and Townsville;
the prospective casino licence for Christmas Island;
housing of doctors on Cocos Keeling Islands;
regional financial assistance grants;
regional recovery partnerships; and
the administration of the Building Better Regions Fund.
Infrastructure Australia
2.10
The committee received an update on the activities of Infrastructure Australia including:
the criteria for classification of ‘nationally significant’ projects;
review of projects under the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund; and
the time frames used by the agency to consider the returns on a potential project.
National Faster Rail Agency
2.11
Topics discussed with the National Faster Rail Agency included:
the possible appointment of an expert panel on faster rail projects;
consideration of a business case put forward by the Consolidated Land and Rail Authority; and
the budget and staffing levels of the agency.
Australian Rail Track Corporation
2.12
The committee heard evidence on the operations and activities of the agency including:
the consultation process with communities affected by the inland rail;
modelling and monitoring of operational and construction noise of the Inland Rail project;
issues with the north east rail link at Euroa, Benalla and Glenrowan;
effects on the business case for extending the Inland Rail to the
Port of Brisbane should there be a reduction in coal transported;
the impact of restricted hours at Brisbane Port on freight delivery;
consultations on rail alignment with First Nations' communities;
proposed projects in northern Victoria, including the bridge at Euroa; and
procurement for steel sleepers.
North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority
2.13
The committee primarily heard evidence detailing the staffing arrangements and suppliers of the NQWIA. Updates were also given on the following projects:
the Western Queensland irrigation and agricultural scheme;
project compliance with the National Water Initiative guidelines; and
progress on various projects including the Big Rocks Weir, Hughendon irrigation project, and Urannah Dam.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
2.14
Mr Greg Hood, Chief Commissioner, ATSB, gave a short opening statement announcing his retirement from the role of Chief Commissioner from
30 June 2021. The committee thanked him for his service throughout his career.
2.15
Topics discussed with the ATSB include:
the ATSB’s working from home arrangements during the COVID pandemic; and
the investigation of the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) Everest fire.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
2.16
The committee received updates on various activities of the AMSA including:
the agencies role in the investigation of the MPV Everest fire;
the response of the government to the committee’s report into the performance of AMSA; and
the agencies staffing and hiring practices.
Western Sydney Airport
2.17
Discussion with the Western Sydney Airport centred upon the purchase of environmental land offsets. The committee heard that the department will be engaging an external group to conduct an investigation into the purchase of $37.5 million of offset credits for the airport. The investigation is likely to take months to complete but the department expects it to be ready before the next round of supplementary estimates hearings in October.
Airservices Australia
2.18
Topics discussed with Airservices Australia include:
the relocation of air traffic controllers from Sydney to Melbourne;
the recruitment of fire station managers;
research with the University of Queensland into the effects of polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) firefighting foam;
the status of the OneSky project;
aircraft noise complaint handling processes; and
Brisbane airspace design.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
2.19
Topics discussed with the agency include:
the Ayers Rock aerodrome trial of Class E airspace; and
new flight crew fatigue rules.
National Capital Authority
2.20
Discussion with the National Capital Authority centred on:
information on planning and potential sites for a monument dedicated to thalidomide survivors;
efforts of the agency to maintain Canberra as the symbol of Australia's national life and values; and
potential changes to the Australian War Memorial site.
Administration of commuter car park projects
2.21
The committee sought information from the ANAO and the department during the spill over hearing on 19 July 2021 regarding the ANAO's performance audit report titled Administration of Commuter Car Park Projects within the Urban Congestion Fund.
2.22
Evidence heard by the committee regarding the report and the administration of the projects included:
the finding in the report that the department did not have a merit based selection process that was open for applications;
reported lack of consultation between the department and delivery partners;
audit objectives and criteria;
the department's agreement with the recommendations in the report;
the department's work with the states in the delivery of the broader Urban Congestion Fund; and
the canvassing and site selection process for car park projects.