Sydney, 29 August 2012: The launch today of the Transport Reform Network (TRN) is a welcome step in elevating the public debate over the need for urgent transport reform in Australia and engaging the community in helping to find long-term solutions, according to Clayton Utz Construction and Major Projects practice head and partner Doug Jones AO.
Doug said he supported the TRN's call for a national reform process that involves all levels of government in reviewing and improving the way we plan, manage and pay for our transport.
"There are no easy answers to how we best tackle transport infrastructure reform. We need an honest and open public debate on how we as a country are going to increase the available funding for transport infrastructure – across all modes," he said.
"A total intergovernmental review of transport funding and pricing arrangements in Australia, and the development of alternative models, is a good place to start. We must create sustainable funding sources for transport infrastructure if we are to meet the transport needs of future generations."
The TRN has launched a public issues paper to put the case for reform and a website to encourage the debate. For further information visit www.transportreform.org, or follow the debate on Twitter @TransportReform.
Doug said there was a critical need for Australia to address our infrastructure backlog and unlock productivity growth, both for the country's long-term economic benefit and the benefit of future generations.
"Clayton Utz supports the TRN as an important initiative in encouraging open, focused debate and a co-operative approach to achieving reform across all transport modes, for the benefit of all Australians."