Welcome Experience expands to attract vets to regional NSW

Image Source: Regional NSW Media | 241218 Welcome Experience

Source: Welcome Experience expands to attract vets to regional NSW

The Minns Government is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.

Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.

Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.

The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.

Expanding The Welcome Experience will address these shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.

The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign.

It continues to support the continued delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Tertiary Health Study Subsidy program making a difference

Image Source : NSW Health | Tertiary Health Study Subsidies -  Communications Toolkit

Source: NSW Health | Tertiary Health Study Subsidies -  Communications Toolkit

A financial boost is available to eligible midwifery, nursing, medical, paramedical or allied health students and graduates committed to working with NSW Health. 

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy is open to 8,000 students and graduates over 2025 and 2026 that are passionate about working in our world class health system. Subsidies have been granted to 4000 students and graduates since the start of the program. Students starting study in 2025-26, in an eligible health qualification could be eligible for up to $12,000 paid over three years. If graduating and starting work with NSW Health, graduates can receive a one-off $8,000 payment. 

Aimee Long, first-year medical student and recipient of NSW Health’s Tertiary Health Study Subsidy explains, “This subsidy allows me to access the brilliant, but costly resources needed for my studies and attend outreach trips to country NSW to experience rural medicine. It will be pivotal when I reach my clinical placements and assist with the cost of living which helps me to focus on my studies.” 

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidies applications are open. Interested applicants can check their eligibility and apply now at www.health.nsw.gov.au/studysubsidies   

Applications NOW OPEN

New rest stops set to keep truckies safe

Source: New rest stops set to keep truckies safe

The Australian Government is continuing to improve road safety for truck drivers and other travellers across the country, with six new projects announced under the fourth tranche of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.

The projects are part of a $17.4 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian Government contributing $9.7 million.

Overall, the HVRA initiative provides $140 million in Federal Government funding over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas. 

The initiative aims to improve road safety for heavy vehicle drivers and other road users through addressing the shortage of heavy vehicle rest stops in locations of need.

Projects funded through tranche four include the construction of new rest areas with facilities such as toilets and picnic areas, resurfacing, line-marking and bitumen sealing. The funded projects are:

• New South Wales – Upgrade to Ravensworth Eastbound and Westbound rest areas on Sturt Hwy, Maude.

• Narromine Shire Council, NSW – Upgrade to the heavy vehicle rest area at Tomingley.

• Maranoa Shire Council, Queensland – Asphalt surfacing of existing heavy vehicle truck stop area at the Roma Truck Stop precinct.

• Queensland – Design and construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area at Homestead West on Flinders Highway.

• Yarriambiack Shire Council, Victoria – Upgrade to nine existing truck parking locations in the Yarriambiack Shire.

• South Australia – Stuart Highway Rest Area Upgrade at Arcoona and a new heavy vehicle rest area at Pimba.

More information on the HVRA initiative can be accessed here.

Making federal funding available for priority projects nationwide

Source: Making federal funding available for priority projects nationwide

The Albanese Government is funding local infrastructure and essential community equipment to ensure Australia’s communities are even better places to live, with guidelines for Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 released 19 December 2024.

Every federal electorate will receive $150,000 under the program and these funds can be allocated towards up to 20 projects, with individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

This program supports local infrastructure projects informed by local priorities. 

Projects eligible for funding include upgrades to community and cultural facilities, and purchases of vital equipment for regional emergency services. A list of the eligible project activities is included in the grant opportunity guidelines.

As with Round 8, this round includes a requirement for local MPs to consult with communities through the project nomination process to enhance the transparency of the program and ensure projects drive community outcomes. 

This includes convening community consultation committees to hear directly from communities about their local priorities for this funding.

For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website. 

Albanese Government provides $55 million to boost mobile connectivity and resilience in areas prone to natural disasters

Source: Albanese Government provides $55 million to boost mobile connectivity and resilience in areas prone to natural disasters

The Albanese Government continues to boost mobile connectivity and resilience in areas prone to natural disasters, with $55 million in grant funding now available to areas in need through Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP). 

The MBSP is part of the Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia which is delivering more than $1.1 billion to rural and regional communities.

MBSP is a co-funding arrangement with the telco industry for new and upgraded telecommunications infrastructure to enhance mobile coverage and competition across Australia.

Co-funding contributions from state and territory governments are encouraged to enable the program to broaden its reach and support the delivery of more projects.

MBSP Round 8 funding is targeted at natural disaster prone locations in regional and rural Australia, to bolster community safety and enable better assistance for locals during and after emergencies.

An online Project Noticeboard has been set up to allow local councillors and state, territory and federal parliamentarians to work with their local communities to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications.

State and territory governments will endorse eligible areas to ensure proposed solutions put forward by industry are targeting areas prone to bushfires, cyclones and floods. 

Round 8 also provides higher levels of funding for co-location and active sharing technologies delivered by all three national mobile carriers - Optus, Telstra and TPG.

Applications from the telco industry close on 30 April 2025. To apply, visit: grants.gov.au

The Project Noticeboard is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8

For more information on the MBSP, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp

Backing Aussie farmers with an additional $20 million for ag-tech connectivity

Source: Backing Aussie farmers with an additional $20 million for ag-tech connectivity

The Albanese Government is continuing to support Aussie farmers with cost of living relief and enhanced productivity, with an additional $20 million investment in a new round of the hugely successful On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
 
The Albanese Government’s flagship ag-tech grants program was informed by the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review that found connectivity gaps were impacting the uptake of technology solutions by primary producers.
 
This advice was delivered to the previous Liberal / National Government which did nothing to act on it, despite a huge demand for these technologies to modernise the agriculture sector, and set farmers up for the future.
 
Previous OFCP rounds have provided rebates of up to 50 per cent for eligible equipment and technology – worth up to $30,000 – for farmers to implement smarter, better connected, more sustainable farming solutions.
 
OFCP Round 3 brings total investment by the Albanese Government in the program to $53 million, equating to more than $100 million worth of ag-tech related equipment purchases across Australia.
 
Thousands of farmers have taken advantage of this innovative program to date, enhancing on-farm connectivity to monitor activity with real-time data, improve safety and increase productivity on their farms.
 
These ag-tech solutions are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, automate tank systems and safeguard farming equipment and supplies.
 
Following the success of OFCP Round 1, the Albanese Government boosted Round 2 funding to $18 million in 2024, and expanded eligibility criteria so more farmers could take part.
 
Round 3 will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
 
Ahead of Round 3 opening for applications, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will review the grant guidelines and processes to ensure the program is optimising opportunities for farmers and best addressing connectivity gaps.
 
This includes consultation with the agriculture industry and local communities on how the program can be further improved, including discussions already underway with the National Farmers’ Federation.
 
The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, delivering improved connectivity and communications resilience across the country.
 
For more information on the OFCP, visit: http://infrastructure.gov.au/ofcp/

Mobile Black Spot Program - Round 8 NOW OPEN

Source: Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program Open

The Mobile Black Spot Program (the MBSP) is an Australian Government initiative that invests in telecommunications infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and competition across Australia.

Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), the Government's commitment has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.

Round 8 of the MBSP opened for applications on 17 December 2024. 

Applications for funding under Round 8 are open to Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with state, territory and local governments, and local communities on proposed solutions, including referring to the Round 8 Project Noticeboard

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines and application process are available on the Government’s GrantConnect website under the Grant Opportunity title Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

Applications close Wednesday 30 April 2025. 

Elecnor Australia | EnergyConnect - Cobb Highway Camp Now Operational

Image source: Elecnor Australia | EnergyConnect - Cobb Highway Camp Now Operational

Source: Elecnor Australia | EnergyConnect - Cobb Highway Camp Now Operational

As part of the nation-building EnergyConnect project, construction of the Cobb Highway accommodation camp and construction laydown located approximately 40km south of Hay, has been completed.

The camp is now operational and will provide accommodation for our project workforce while we continue transmission line construction activities between Balranald and Bundure for the duration of the project.

Operational works at the camp complex will occur Monday to Sunday, 6am to 7pm (including public holidays

Charting the course for a diverse and sustainable news sector

Source: Charting the course for a diverse and sustainable news sector

The Albanese Government is investing $180.5 million to deliver on its commitment to support local news and community broadcasting, today launching the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) and announcing additional funding for community broadcasting.
 
The Government recognises local media and community broadcasting as critical to the health of our democracy, social cohesion and informing communities.
 
The Government will invest $153.5 million over four years to implement the News MAP, which has been informed by extensive public and industry consultation, with the following measures: 

• Release of the News MAP policy framework to guide government intervention to support public interest journalism in Australia, with clear objectives and the best available evidence

• Establishment of a new expert advisory panel to provide advice on the design and targeting of mechanisms to support sustainability and capacity building, including attracting philanthropy

• $33 million over three years to support the Australian Associated Press newswire service – recognising its important role in supporting media diversity and providing high quality news

• $116.7 million over four years from 2024-25 (and $1.7 million in 2028-29) to support and build the sustainability and capacity of news organisations so they can deliver public interest journalism and local news vital to Australian communities, including $17.6 million for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to support program delivery

• $3.8 million over three years from 2025-26 for the development of Australia’s first National Media Literacy Strategy, co-designed in partnership with the media literacy research sector, education sector and communities, to better equip Australians to critically engage with news and media.

The Government will also mandate a minimum commitment of $3.0 million per year for two years from 2025-26 for regional newspaper advertising across the total Commonwealth media advertising spend.
 
This is in addition to the $15.0 million in 2024–25 already announced for the News Media Relief Program to provide urgent support for eligible regional, independent suburban, multicultural and First Nations news publishers, and the $10.5 million already announced for the Australian Communications and Media Authority to implement the Media Diversity Measurement Framework.
 
The Government will also invest an additional $27 million to back Australia’s vital community broadcasting sector, with: 

• $15 million through the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP) to support the community broadcasting sector over three years, including $3.0 million to support community television

• $12 million through the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program (IBMP) to support the First Nations broadcasting and media sector.

This new funding recognises and supports the services of over 450 community broadcasters who connect communities and amplify diverse voices, while the Government continues work with the sector on the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review.
 
For more information on News MAP, visit: News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
 
For more information on the Community Broadcasting Program and the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, visit: Community Broadcasting Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Albanese Government welcomes report of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review

Source: Albanese Government welcomes report of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review

The Albanese Government welcomes the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report which sets out recommendations to further improve connectivity for regional, rural and remote communities.
 
Undertaken every three years, the review is an opportunity for people living and working outside major cities to share their experiences, views and expectations regarding connectivity and telecommunications services.
 
The community response to the 2024 review is unprecedented – a four-fold increase in participation on the 2021 review  – demonstrating the importance placed on connectivity and digital inclusion in regional, rural and remote Australia.
 
The Committee conducted online consultations and 20 in-person sessions across Australia from Thursday Island to Geraldton, Katherine and Benalla.
 
In total, more than 4,000 stakeholders took part and more than 3,000 survey responses were received.
 
The Committee also engaged with industry throughout the process to address issues raised during consultations and potential reform options were workshopped.
 
The report’s 14 recommendations address enhanced mobile coverage and affordability, universal service, First Nations inclusion and digital literacy. The role of LEO satellite technology for service delivery is also considered.
 
The Committee noted how recent technology developments have resulted in new and emerging services that could be considered as part of a modernised Universal Service Obligation (USO).
 
The recommendation to modernise the USO is an important step towards ensuring all Australians have access to modern, reliable, voice-capable broadband services no matter where they live or work.
 
The Albanese Government will review the recommendations and respond in due course.
 
The Albanese Government has acted on advice from previous RTIRC reports in the design of programs and initiatives including the On-Farm Connectivity Program, the Mobile Black Spot Program, National Audit of Mobile Coverage and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan.
 
The 2024 review was led by Committee Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan working alongside Committee members Kristy Sparrow, the Hon Fiona Nash, Dr Jessa Rogers and Ian Kelly.
 
For more information, visit: www.rtirc.gov.au

Albanese Government to establish News Bargaining Incentive

Source: Albanese Government to establish News Bargaining Incentive

The Albanese Government will establish the News Bargaining Incentive to ensure large digital platforms contribute to the sustainability of news media in Australia.

A strong and diverse news sector is vital for a healthy democracy. 

However the rapid growth of digital platforms has disrupted revenues to Australia’s media sector, which threatens the viability of public interest journalism. 

The News Media Bargaining Code was introduced in 2021 to incentivise digital platforms to enter into commercial deals with news publishers. 

The code acknowledged that large digital platforms are unavoidable trading partners for Australian news media businesses in reaching audiences online, and sought to address the imbalance of bargaining power between digital platforms and news media publishers.  

However, the code has limitations. It allows platforms to avoid their obligations by removing news. This is not in the best interest of Australians. A significant proportion of Australians use digital platforms to access news, and we want this to continue.

The Government is acting to address this, by establishing a News Bargaining Incentive to encourage digital platforms to enter into or renew commercial deals with news publishers. 

Australia does not intend to raise revenue from this policy.

The bargaining incentive includes a charge and an offset mechanism. Platforms that choose not to enter or renew commercial agreements with news publishers will pay the charge. Platforms with these agreements will, however, be able to offset their liability.

The incentive will apply to large digital platforms operating significant social media or search services irrespective of whether or not they carry news. 

The Government will consult stakeholders on the final design of the scheme. 

A public consultation paper is expected to be released in early 2025.

The incentive builds on significant work underway to ensure Australian laws keep pace with digital technologies, including the development of a new scams prevention framework, a digital competition regime, implementation of privacy reforms, and ongoing work related to artificial intelligence. 

The Government will have further announcements outlining support for news media. 

Driving Safety

Source: Driving Safety

The campaign reminds drivers that behaviour that is not considered extreme, like tailgating, speeding and mobile phone use while driving, all contribute to motor vehicle accidents and deaths on the road.

Improving road safety and achieving zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050 is a collective effort. That’s why this campaign is designed to build on the efforts of states, territories and local governments and encourage drivers to do their part in keeping our roads safe.

Road safety is always a priority and that is why the Albanese Government has been increasing funding for local roads since 2022 and acted on long-standing calls for better safety data.

We have moved to double funding for Roads to Recovery to $1 billion a year and since then over 2000 projects have been approved, 1390 will have started by the end of December and more than 690 are due to be completed by the end of this year.

That means more potholes are being fixed, more kerbs are being replaced, more roads are being resealed, and more grading and drainage is being done.

We are also increasing the Black Spot program to $150 million per year, and revising it so more projects are eligible, and at least $200 million per year is under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The $2.9 billion Road Safety Program continues to deliver over 1800 projects, improving the safety of over 1,910 kilometres of Australia’s road network.

We have also reversed the previous Coalition Government decision in 2014 to freeze road maintenance funding for national highways, not only permanently indexing it but also back-paying the amount lost by the freeze.

Through our latest funding agreements with the States and Territories, we are increasing the road safety data collected in order to better inform responses to road trauma and the concerning increase in road deaths.

The Albanese Government will continue to prioritise road safety and hope that at this time of year, everyone will do their part by driving responsibly to ensure that everyone can enjoy time with family and friends.

The campaign and an executive summary of the research that informed it can be found at saferdrivingstartswithyou.gov.au.

Congratulations to the 2025 ABC Heywire Winners!

Source: 2025 ABC Heywire winners announced

The 2025 ABC Heywire winners, announced 11 December 2024, showcase incredible determination, grit, and powerful commitment to inspiring change in their communities through their stories.

Hundreds of Australians aged 16 to 22 from regional, rural and remote areas entered the competition by speaking openly and authentically about life beyond our majors cities, through written stories, photos, videos or audio recordings.

The stories from this year’s 38 ABC Heywire winners highlight Australia’s rich diversity and provide a window into the lives and communities of young Australians living in the regions. The full list of 2025 ABC Heywire winners and their stories are here: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/winners/

Region Riverina | Record 40 students graduate from uni without leaving home town at Griffith remote learning centre

Source: Region Riverina | Record 40 students graduate from uni without leaving home town at Griffith remote learning centre

A record 40 students have received degrees from universities across Australia in 2023-24 through a remote learning facility enabling them to study without leaving their home town of Griffith or Leeton.

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina held a graduation ceremony on Friday (29 November) to celebrate this achievement.

Given that neither Griffith nor Leeton has a university, the centre was established in 2019 to provide students enrolled in courses at tertiary institutions and TAFE with access to a campus-like facility with computers, internet access, academic advisers, programs, social events and mentorship while they studied remotely.

Regional Data Hub - staying up-to-date on all things data:

Local communities are unique and diverse, but there's lots of data out there to help explore and better understand your area, region or jurisdiction.

The Regional Data Hub (the hub) is for all Australians. It’s a virtual space for you to engage in a range of data and information sources to enable you to better understand your area.

The hub has a range of resources enabling you to better understand the many facets of your local area such as employment, liveability and housing stock. Data can give you information and insights to support place-base decisions, co-design, strategic planning and better stakeholder engagement.

The intent of the hub is to complement not replicate other content rich and public facing data sources. The hub is a live, living resource which pulls together a wide range of resources, longitudinal results and deeper dives in one easy-to-access space.

·         For more information, go to: Regional Data Hub | Regional Data Hub

·         To stay up-to-date on all things data, subscribe to the newsletter now.

·         Need help or want to provide feedback, email regionaldatahub@infrastructure.gov.au

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman ASBEFEO Consultation paper review

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBEFEO) has released a consultation paper review looking at the functions and operations of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).

Responses are encouraged from:

• small business owners

• family enterprises

• franchisees and franchisors

• organisations representing:

• small business

• family enterprises

• culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations, regional or women’s communities.

Email:

ASBFEOReview@treasury.gov.au

https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2024-603742

Timeframes:

22 November 2024 - 10 January 2025

ICDA | National Leadership Certificate - 2025

Source: ICDA | National Leadership Certificate - 2025

The Institute f Community Directors Australia (ICDA) NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey. Leaders who want to get more done need to start doing less. But when you're so used to doing the doing, it can be difficult to take a step back and start leading.

ICDA's NFP Leadership Certificate provides space for middle and senior managers to lift their gaze and look at the big picture.

Taking place each Monday across 4 weeks, we'll be bringing together leaders from across Australia, via Zoom, to hone their leadership skills and explore what it truly means to lead.

Leaders will be invited to use the program to challenge themselves between each of the sessions, immediately strengthening their leadership capabilities with an opportunity to debrief with their peers and ICDA's expert training team.

Participants will work alongside other leaders and have the opportunity to connect with professionals in their sector.

The course includes a personality test, leadership materials, a 45-minute one-on-one debrief with a career development coach who will help you to absorb the information you've learned and to make plans to put your new knowledge into action. Those who complete the course will receive NFP Leadership Certificate, a certification by ICDA.

University of Canberra | 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey

Source: 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey - Information Sheet

The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey (undertaken by the following researchers from the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra) aims to understand how the wellbeing of people living in rural, regional and urban areas of Australia is changing, and the things that are affecting quality of life (in good and bad ways) in different communities.

You can participate by completing a survey online at www.regionalwellbeing.org.au or, if you prefer, completing a paper copy of the survey. If you wish to complete the survey on paper and don’t have a paper survey form, you can call and request a paper copy to be mailed to you by calling 1800 981 499, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Survey closes: 31 January 2025

BIRO NSW | Online information sessions: Introduction to the new Skills in Demand Visa and National Innovation Visa

Source: BIRO NSW | Online information sessions: Introduction to the new Skills in Demand Visa and National Innovation Visa

As a part of reform measures outlined in the Migration Strategy, the Australian Government is introducing the National Innovation visa and changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa, which will be reformed and renamed as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. These changes will enable Australian business and industry to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available.

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) will be a small, exclusive program with an increased focus on high-calibre talented migrants. The NIV is aimed at established and emerging leaders to ensure Australia attracts migrants from across the world who will help create jobs and drive investment in key sectors of the Australian economy.

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa provides a streamlined pathway for skilled migrants, promoting worker mobility while offering a simple process for employers to access the skilled workers they need to help their businesses to grow.

 The Department of Home Affairs invites you to attend an online information session to learn more about these two new visa programs. Information sessions will be held Monday 16 December 2024 - Wednesday 18 December 2024

To learn more, or register for an online information session, click the Learn More button below.

Vehicle standards review now underway

Source: Vehicle standards review now underway

The Albanese Government will shortly commence a review of the Australian Design Rules – our legislated road vehicle standards – including to consider regulatory barriers to the supply of electric vehicles to the Australian market.

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) ensure that all new and used road vehicles being provided to the Australian market for the first time meet critical national standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions.

This independent review will analyse ADRs and assess their alignment with international standards to identify opportunities for improvement and for the removal of unnecessary barriers.

This will include considering how the adoption of internationally-harmonised ADRs can support:

• choice and price outcomes for consumers, 

• productivity and technology innovation in the vehicle and related sectors, and

• the net zero transition.

It will also consider how the process of adopting international standards into ADRs can be streamlined to reduce timeframes. 

The road vehicle industry, unions, road safety advocates and other stakeholders are invited to have their say as part of the review process. Submissions are now open until 24 January 2025.

The review will be conducted by Dr Warren Mundy who has extensive experience in transport safety-critical businesses, including Melbourne Airport, Infratil Airports Europe and Airservices Australia – where he served on the safety committee.

To find out more about this review and to have your say on ADR Harmonisation, please visit ADR Harmonisation Review 2024-25 | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts