Chief Investigator, Transport Safety
Encyclopedia
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (the Chief Investigator) is the independent Government agency
responsible for investigation of safety-related trends and incidents in the rail, bus and marine industries in the State of Victoria
, Australia
. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010. The office commenced operation on 1 July 2010 and forms part of the Department of Transport
. The investigator is one of three independent transport safety agencies in Australia as well as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
, a Commonwealth agency, and the Office of the Transport Safety Investigations in New South Wales
.
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is one of two dedicated transport safety offices in Victoria
, the other being the Director, Transport Safety
. The Chief Investigator is responsible for no blame or just culture investigations and inquiries in the transport sector while the Director has responsibility for regulation and compliance activities. The Chief Investigator is subject to the high level policy and operational framework contained in the Transport Integration Act
.
The Chief Investigator contributes to transport safety by independently investigating, analysing and openly reporting on transport safety matters. All investigations are "no blame" – the emphasis is on understanding causes and trends and learning to improve future transport safety. The Chief Investigator is entirely separate from transport regulatory authorities such as the Director, Transport Safety
(Transport Safety Victoria
), WorkSafe
(the Victorian WorkCover Authority
) and State, Territory and Commonwealth regulators and investigators, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
. The Chief Investigator is also independent of transport operators such as Metro Trains, V/Line
, Yarra Trams
and bus and shipping companies.
The Chief Investigator reports to two Ministers
: the Minister for Public Transport in respect of rail and bus matters and the Minister for Ports in respect of shipping and boating matters. However, independence is underscored by the fact that the Ministers have few powers over the Chief Investigator, the prime power being the capacity to require the Chief Investigator to conduct an investigation into a transport safety matter.
under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
. This involves investigations relating to -
and wider Victoria (large public buses are generally operated in Victoria under contract between the Director of Public Transport
and a wide variety of bus operators) including mini bus operators. Power is derived from the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
.
. The responsibilities of the Chief Investigator focus on the monitoring of trading, fishing and Government vessels as well as hire and drive vessels. The monitoring of recreational craft covers the investigation of a wide range of vessels including yachts, speedboats, jet ski
s, canoes and paddle boats. The Chief Investigator's jurisdiction to investigate shipping and boating arises under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.
provides the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety with a governance framework - the objects, functions and powers - which comprise the charter of the office.
provides that the primary object of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is to "...seek to improve transport safety by providing for the independent no-blame investigation of transport safety matters...".
The Transport Integration Act
provides that in investigating an incident, the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is to primarily focus on -
Additional functions of the Chief Investigator include -
provides that the Chief Investigator has the power to investigate any transport safety matter. More specific powers are contained in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
and the Marine Safety Act 1988. Supporting compliance powers are established in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
for the rail and bus industries.
The compliance support scheme centres on provisions enabling the appointment of authorised officers and conferral of coercive powers. The key elements are -
The powers of the Chief Investigator in the marine sector under the Marine Act 1988 cover many of the areas listed above. Special provisions relating to disclosure and admissibility of evidence apply to the Chief Investigator.
, the Director of Public Transport
, the Secretary of the Department of Transport
, any person who assisted the Chief Investigator with the investigation and any other relevant person or body.
provides, for example, that the Chief Investigator "...when performing or exercising his or her functions, is independent and is not subject to the direction and control of the Minister." Independence is supported by provisions in the Act requiring that the removal of the Director from office and can only occur with the approval of both Houses of Parliament.
Powers over all bus incidents and all other rail and marine matters vests in the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety. The Chief Investigator is, however, given power by the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
of Victoria to ask ATSB to investigate any transport accident or incident that has occurred in Victoria.
. The Department of Transport
(DOT) oversees and coordinates the activities of the agencies which can be divided into three main types - statutory offices, statutory authorities and independent transport safety agencies. Together with DOT, the agencies provide, manage and regulate transport system activities in Victoria
including -
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
but each has a distinct statutory charter and powers
These agencies are structurally separate from the Department of Transport
.
. These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
but are functionally independent and report to the relevant Ministers. The Director, Transport Safety has oversight of safety regulation schemes and industry performance under the schemes. By contrast, the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is responsible for no blame or just culture inquiries and investigations in the transport sector.
Government agency
A government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
responsible for investigation of safety-related trends and incidents in the rail, bus and marine industries in the State of Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010. The office commenced operation on 1 July 2010 and forms part of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
. The investigator is one of three independent transport safety agencies in Australia as well as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is Australia’s national transport safety investigator. The ATSB is the federal government body responsible for investigating transport-related accidents and incidents within Australia. It covers air, sea and rail travel. The Australian Transport Safety...
, a Commonwealth agency, and the Office of the Transport Safety Investigations in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
.
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is one of two dedicated transport safety offices in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
, the other being the Director, Transport Safety
Director, Transport Safety
The Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
. The Chief Investigator is responsible for no blame or just culture investigations and inquiries in the transport sector while the Director has responsibility for regulation and compliance activities. The Chief Investigator is subject to the high level policy and operational framework contained in the Transport Integration Act
Transport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
.
The Chief Investigator contributes to transport safety by independently investigating, analysing and openly reporting on transport safety matters. All investigations are "no blame" – the emphasis is on understanding causes and trends and learning to improve future transport safety. The Chief Investigator is entirely separate from transport regulatory authorities such as the Director, Transport Safety
Director, Transport Safety
The Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
(Transport Safety Victoria
Director, Transport Safety
The Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
), WorkSafe
WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria is the trading name of the Victorian Workcover Authority, a statutory authority of the state government of Victoria, Australia....
(the Victorian WorkCover Authority
WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria is the trading name of the Victorian Workcover Authority, a statutory authority of the state government of Victoria, Australia....
) and State, Territory and Commonwealth regulators and investigators, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is Australia’s national transport safety investigator. The ATSB is the federal government body responsible for investigating transport-related accidents and incidents within Australia. It covers air, sea and rail travel. The Australian Transport Safety...
. The Chief Investigator is also independent of transport operators such as Metro Trains, V/Line
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
, Yarra Trams
Yarra Trams
Yarra Trams is the trading name of the Melbourne tram network, which is fully owned and registered by the Victorian State Government. The current franchise is operated by a consortium named KDR Melbourne which consists of a partnership between French company Keolis and Australian company Downer EDI...
and bus and shipping companies.
The Chief Investigator reports to two Ministers
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
: the Minister for Public Transport in respect of rail and bus matters and the Minister for Ports in respect of shipping and boating matters. However, independence is underscored by the fact that the Ministers have few powers over the Chief Investigator, the prime power being the capacity to require the Chief Investigator to conduct an investigation into a transport safety matter.
Trains and trams
The Chief Investigator is responsible for no blame or just culture safety oversight of the rail sector in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
. This involves investigations relating to -
- trains in MelbourneRailways in MelbourneThe Melbourne rail network is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne under franchise from the Government of Victoria. The network is based on a commuter rail model centred on the Melbourne Central Business District and Flinders Street Station, rather than a rapid transit model, with a focus on...
(operated under contract with the Director of Public TransportDirector of Public TransportThe Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
by Metro Trains MelbourneMetro Trains MelbourneMetro Trains Melbourne is the current franchise operator of the suburban railway network of Melbourne, Australia. Metro Trains Melbourne is a joint venture led by Hong Kong based MTR Corporation together with John Holland Group and United Group Rail .Metro Trains Melbourne operates a fleet of 381...
) - these services cover the provision of suburban railRail transportRail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks they run on...
services in MelbourneMelbourneMelbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... - trams in MelbourneTrams in MelbourneThe Melbourne tramway network is a major form of public transport in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia. , the network consisted of of track, 487 trams, 28 routes, and 1,773 tram stops. It was therefore the largest urban tramway network in the world, ahead of the...
(operated under contract with the Director of Public TransportDirector of Public TransportThe Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
by KDR MelbourneKDR MelbourneKDR Melbourne is a consortium led by Keolis & Downer EDI Rail that was selected by the State Government of Victoria as the franchise operator of Melbourne's tram network. Taking over from previous operator Yarra Trams, the company was awarded an eight-year contract which commenced on 30 November...
) - these services cover the provision of suburban tramTramA tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
and light railLight railLight rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
services in MelbourneMelbourneMelbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... - trains in regional VictoriaRail transport in VictoriaRail transport in Victoria, Australia, is provided by a number of railway operators who operate over the government-owned railway lines. Victorian lines use broad gauge, with the exception of a number of standard gauge freight and interstate lines, a few experimental narrow gauge lines, and...
(regional passenger rail services are generally operated under contract with the Director of Public TransportDirector of Public TransportThe Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
by V/Line CorporationV/LineV/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
; freight services are operated by a variety of operators including Pacific NationalPacific NationalPacific National is one of Australia's largest private rail freight businesses. Originally a joint venture between Patrick Corporation and Toll Holdings; it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Asciano Limited following the restructure of Toll Holdings....
; the Australian Rail Track CorporationAustralian Rail Track CorporationAustralian Rail Track Corporation is a federal government owned corporation established in 1997 that owns, leases, maintains and controls the majority of main line standard gauge railway lines on the mainland of Australia, known as the Defined Interstate Rail Network .-History:The Interstate...
is the infrastructure manager for the Defined Interstate Rail Network(DIRN)) - these services cover the provision of trainTrainA train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
services in country and regional VictoriaVictoria (Australia)Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively.... - tourist and heritage rail operations in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
- relevant public agencies such as the Director of Public TransportDirector of Public TransportThe Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
and VicTrackVicTrackVicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
which have responsibility for providing rail services or land and asset services related to rail operations.
Buses
The Chief Investigator is also responsible for no blame or just culture safety investigations of bus services in MelbourneBuses in Melbourne
Buses in Melbourne, Australia, are a major form of public transport in Melbourne, with an extensive bus network. The network of 323 bus routes is operated by a number of privately owned bus companies....
and wider Victoria (large public buses are generally operated in Victoria under contract between the Director of Public Transport
Director of Public Transport
The Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
and a wide variety of bus operators) including mini bus operators. Power is derived from the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
.
Commercial shipping and recreational boating
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is also the no blame or just culture safety investigator of the commercial shipping and recreational boating sectors in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The responsibilities of the Chief Investigator focus on the monitoring of trading, fishing and Government vessels as well as hire and drive vessels. The monitoring of recreational craft covers the investigation of a wide range of vessels including yachts, speedboats, jet ski
Jet ski
Jet Ski is the brand name of a personal watercraft manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The name is sometimes mistakenly used by those unfamiliar with the personal watercraft industry to refer to any type of personal watercraft; however, the name is a valid trademark registered with the...
s, canoes and paddle boats. The Chief Investigator's jurisdiction to investigate shipping and boating arises under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.
Establishment
The office of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety was established following the passage and commencement of the Transport Integration Act 2010. The office arose from the abolition of the office of the Chief Investigator, Public Transport and Marine Safety Investigations.Transport Integration Act
The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety with a governance framework - the objects, functions and powers - which comprise the charter of the office.
Objects
The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides that the primary object of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is to "...seek to improve transport safety by providing for the independent no-blame investigation of transport safety matters...".
Functions
The primary functions of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety are to -- investigate transport safety matters
- report the results of any investigations to the Minister.
The Transport Integration Act
Transport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides that in investigating an incident, the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is to primarily focus on -
- determining what factors caused the incident, rather than to apportion blame
- identifying issues that may require review, monitoring or further consideration.
Additional functions of the Chief Investigator include -
- performing functions or duties conferred on the office by the Marine Act 1988 and the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
and other relevant Acts and regulations made under those Acts - liaising with international, Commonwealth and State bodies that have similar functions to those of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety
- administering voluntary reporting system established under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- improving the quality and professionalism of investigations through education of those involved in the operation or use of rail, bus and marine transport.
Powers
The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides that the Chief Investigator has the power to investigate any transport safety matter. More specific powers are contained in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
and the Marine Safety Act 1988. Supporting compliance powers are established in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
for the rail and bus industries.
The compliance support scheme centres on provisions enabling the appointment of authorised officers and conferral of coercive powers. The key elements are -
- appointment of officers transport safety officers
- powers relating to entry to premises, inspectionInspectionAn inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation exercise. In engineering activities inspection involves the measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain characteristics in regard to an object or activity...
, securing sites, use of forceUse of forceThe term use of force describes a right of an individual or authority to settle conflicts or prevent certain actions by applying measures to either: a) dissuade another party from a particular course of action, or b) physically intervene to stop them...
and seizureSeizureAn epileptic seizure, occasionally referred to as a fit, is defined as a transient symptom of "abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain". The outward effect can be as dramatic as a wild thrashing movement or as mild as a brief loss of awareness...
of things - powers to searchSearch and seizureSearch and seizure is a legal procedure used in many civil law and common law legal systems whereby police or other authorities and their agents, who suspect that a crime has been committed, do a search of a person's property and confiscate any relevant evidence to the crime.Some countries have...
, enter and require production of documents and information and to require name and address details - power to require persons to attend and answer questions
The powers of the Chief Investigator in the marine sector under the Marine Act 1988 cover many of the areas listed above. Special provisions relating to disclosure and admissibility of evidence apply to the Chief Investigator.
Reports
The Chief Investigator is required to give a copy of reports on transport safety investigations as soon as practicable after completing investigations. Before issuing reports to the Minister, the Chief Investigator must consult with the Director, Transport SafetyDirector, Transport Safety
The Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
, the Director of Public Transport
Director of Public Transport
The Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
, the Secretary of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
, any person who assisted the Chief Investigator with the investigation and any other relevant person or body.
Independence
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is independent of Ministers and Government generally. The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides, for example, that the Chief Investigator "...when performing or exercising his or her functions, is independent and is not subject to the direction and control of the Minister." Independence is supported by provisions in the Act requiring that the removal of the Director from office and can only occur with the approval of both Houses of Parliament.
Relationship to ATSB
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigates safety matters in the aviation industry as well as certain matters in the rail and marine industries. For example, ATSB investigates incidents on the Defined Interstate Rail Network (DIRN) due to its national significance. ATSB also conducts investigations into accidents and serious incidents involving Australian registered ships anywhere in the world, foreign flag ships within Australian waters and certain other ships. ATSB's powers are derived from the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 of the Commonwealth.Powers over all bus incidents and all other rail and marine matters vests in the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety. The Chief Investigator is, however, given power by the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...
of Victoria to ask ATSB to investigate any transport accident or incident that has occurred in Victoria.
Other Victorian transport agencies
There are a range of State agencies responsible for the transport system in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
(DOT) oversees and coordinates the activities of the agencies which can be divided into three main types - statutory offices, statutory authorities and independent transport safety agencies. Together with DOT, the agencies provide, manage and regulate transport system activities in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
including -
- heavy and light rail systems including trains and trams
- roads systems and vehicles including carsCARSCars, or automobiles, motor cars, are wheeled motor vehicles used for transporting passengers.Cars or CARS may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Cars , a Disney/Pixar film series...
, trucks and bicycles - ports and waterways including commercial ships and recreational vesselsShipSince the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
- some air transport systems
Statutory offices
The statutory offices include -- the Director of Public TransportDirector of Public TransportThe Director of Public Transport is the Government agency responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- the Transport Infrastructure Development Agent.
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
but each has a distinct statutory charter and powers
Statutory authorities
The statutory authorities are -- the Roads Corporation (VicRoads)VicRoadsVicRoads or the Roads Corporation of Victoria is a statutory corporation which is the state road and traffic authority in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is responsible for maintenance and construction of the state arterial road network, as well as driver licensing and vehicle registration. ...
- Victorian Rail Track (VicTrack)VicTrackVicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
- V/Line Corporation (V/Line)V/LineV/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
- Taxi Services CommissionTaxi Services CommissionThe Taxi Services Commission is the independent Government agency responsible for conducting a major inquiry, the Taxi Industry Inquiry, into taxi and other small commercial passenger vehicle services in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- the Linking Melbourne Authority
- the Port of Melbourne CorporationPort of Melbourne CorporationThe Port of Melbourne Corporation is a statutory body established by the Victorian Government. The Corporation commenced operations on 1 July 2003, when it took over the management of the Port of Melbourne from Melbourne Port Corporation...
- the Victorian Regional Channels Authority
- the Transport Ticketing Authority
- the Regional Rail Link Authority.
These agencies are structurally separate from the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
.
Independent transport safety agencies
The Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is one of two independent transport safety agencies in the State. The other agency is the Director, Transport SafetyDirector, Transport Safety
The Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
. These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
but are functionally independent and report to the relevant Ministers. The Director, Transport Safety has oversight of safety regulation schemes and industry performance under the schemes. By contrast, the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is responsible for no blame or just culture inquiries and investigations in the transport sector.
See also
- Rail Transport in VictoriaRail transport in VictoriaRail transport in Victoria, Australia, is provided by a number of railway operators who operate over the government-owned railway lines. Victorian lines use broad gauge, with the exception of a number of standard gauge freight and interstate lines, a few experimental narrow gauge lines, and...
- Railways in MelbourneRailways in MelbourneThe Melbourne rail network is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne under franchise from the Government of Victoria. The network is based on a commuter rail model centred on the Melbourne Central Business District and Flinders Street Station, rather than a rapid transit model, with a focus on...
- Trams in MelbourneTrams in MelbourneThe Melbourne tramway network is a major form of public transport in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia. , the network consisted of of track, 487 trams, 28 routes, and 1,773 tram stops. It was therefore the largest urban tramway network in the world, ahead of the...
- Buses in MelbourneBuses in MelbourneBuses in Melbourne, Australia, are a major form of public transport in Melbourne, with an extensive bus network. The network of 323 bus routes is operated by a number of privately owned bus companies....
- Department of TransportDepartment of Transport (Victoria, Australia)The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- Rail Safety ActRail Safety ActThe Rail Safety Act 2006 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia and is the prime statute regulating the safety of rail operations in the State...
- Transport Integration ActTransport Integration ActThe Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
- Director, Transport SafetyDirector, Transport SafetyThe Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
- Bus Safety ActBus Safety ActThe Bus Safety Act 2009 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia and is the prime statute regulating the safety of bus operations across the State....
- Director, Public Transport SafetyDirector, Public Transport SafetyThe Director, Public Transport Safety was the independent Government agency responsible for rail and bus safety in the State of Victoria, Australia, between 1 August 2006 and 30 June 2010. The position was created as a statutory office by statute in early 2006 and was the State's first...
- SafetySafetySafety is the state of being "safe" , the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be...
- Australian Transport Safety BureauAustralian Transport Safety BureauThe Australian Transport Safety Bureau is Australia’s national transport safety investigator. The ATSB is the federal government body responsible for investigating transport-related accidents and incidents within Australia. It covers air, sea and rail travel. The Australian Transport Safety...
- Transport Act 1983Transport Act 1983The Transport Act 1983 was the main statute establishing government transport organisations and regulating land transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia for 27 years from mid 1983 to mid 2010...
- Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983The 'Transport Act 1983' is a prime statute regulating transport activities in the State of Victoria, Australia...