At the launch of the consultation process for the National Future Transport Summit, Brook Hall, Executive Director of the Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT), outlined the rationale behind the Summit, the role of the newly released Discussion Paper, and how stakeholders across Australia can contribute.
Brook opened by highlighting the national opportunity presented by connected and automated transport to deliver significant improvements in safety, productivity, sustainability, mobility and accessibility. These technologies, he noted, also offer potential solutions to some of the long-standing challenges in the transport system.
Brook also emphasised that Australia must plan strategically, ensuring the right vision, skillsets, public engagement, infrastructure and resourcing are in place to guide a successful transition.
Brook described the formation of a national consortium, now made up of more than 100 organisations spanning government, industry, academia and community sectors. This diverse group has led the development of the Summit, agreeing upon the vision, themes and overall approach to delivery.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Summit Consortium which brings together the Steering Committee, Policy Sub-Committee and Editorial Committee, all of whom have played key roles in preparing the Discussion Paper, which officially guides the national consultation.
The Discussion Paper provides a foundation for input and is structured around five core themes:
These reflect the pressing challenges and strategic opportunities associated with connected and automated transport and serve as a guide for developing a national blueprint for future transport.
Brook outlined multiple ways stakeholders can participate:
All submissions will be published on the Summit website, creating a transparent and lasting record. Draft recommendations, developed collaboratively with Consortium members, will be released prior to the Summit and refined at the event itself.
A Final Report capturing the recommendations, discussions and stakeholder input will be presented to government and tracked over time, ensuring the Summit leaves a meaningful and enduring legacy.
Following Brook’s presentation, questions were invited from the online audience about the Summit, Discussion Paper and the public consultation.
The Q&A discussion focused on how to ensure diverse voices from across Australia contribute meaningfully to the consultation process. Brook noted the importance of engaging sectors and communities not yet reached, including through public submissions, broader portfolio engagement (such as health, disability, tourism and agriculture), and open access to the consortium.
There was strong emphasis on the value of international learnings to inform Australia’s approach — particularly in regulation, deployment and public engagement — while also recognising areas where Australia, such as the mining sector, is already leading globally.
Finally, attendees were encouraged to get involved beyond making a submission by joining upcoming workshops, expressing interest in the national consortium, and participating in the Summit itself through registration or sponsorship.
View the recording of the Summit launch event here:
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