Transport Workers Union Vic/Tas Branch Secretary, Bill Noonan, has been appointed as a member of the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Mr. Noonan, who has served as an official of the Union for over thirty years and Branch Secretary for fourteen years, was approved for the role this morning by Federal Cabinet.

The NTC was established to provide advice on transport regulatory reform to Federal and State Governments. Its official role is to “lead transport regulatory reform nationally to meet the needs of transport users and the broader community for safe, efficient and sustainable land transport.”

Mr. Noonan’s appointment comes at a time when the Rudd Government has signaled a commitment to the development of a raft of nation-building infrastructure projects, many of which revolve around land transport.

Mr. Noonan said today that he was honoured on a personal level to be asked to carry out this important role.

“It is also a significant recognition of the role of the Transport Workers Union in making a positive contribution to the development and health of the industry in addition to its industrial role,” he said.

“I look forward to the challenge of finding constructive solutions to the substantial challenges facing governments as they deal with the pressing need to rapidly expand and improve transport infrastructure.”

In reflecting today on the challenges ahead, Mr. Noonan said that it was critical to bear in mind the human factors in the transport industry.

“It’s a high pressure and highly competitive industry and doesn’t always take adequate account of the human cost behind the scenes. A number of inquiries and reports in recent years have identified a link between, on the one hand, low rates of pay and other inappropriate industrial practices, and, on the other hand, safety breaches.”