For the first time in its history, the meeting of Australia’s Transport Ministers will see the involvement of key industry groups, providing greater transparency and engagement.
The Gillard Labor Government believes it’s important that key players in the industry are involved in discussions that directly impact on them.
Engaging the sector directly makes a lot more sense than having a closed door policy and provides an opportunity for the Government to gain direct feedback.
The inaugural Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) involved Ministers from all states and territories as well as industry observers.

• National Transport Commission


• Australian Trucking Association


• Ports Australia


• Australian Logistics Council


• Australasian Railways Association


• Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association


• Rail Tram and Bus Union


• Transport Workers Union

In February 2011 COAG agreed to the establishment of 12 new Standing Councils to replace the existing Ministerial Council system.
SCOTI replaces the former Australian Transport Council and will have a new focus on regulatory reform and achieving a national transport and infrastructure system that is efficient, safe, sustainable and competitive.
Its responsibilities include:

• surface transport


• transport safety and security


• environmentally conscious transport


• infrastructure policy and investment including road rail and ports


• planning for capital city strategic planning systems

The new Standing Council will continue to undertake critical reforms that will drive future prosperity.