The department’s international engagement priorities help achieve our vision and purpose and contribute to Australian foreign policy objectives. The department engages internationally to:
- Shape the international transport environment to support open transport markets that are safe, sustainable and promote Australian interests.
- Support Australia’s security by strengthening the resilience and reliability of Australia’s transport systems and supply chains.
- Inform and draw from international best practice to enhance Australia's domestic policy settings for transport.
The department works closely with our portfolio agencies to achieve international engagement objectives and ensure our international activities are coordinated, consistent and targeted appropriately. We also engage actively with key Commonwealth agencies to align efforts to progress broader foreign policy goals. We engage with the following key international transport forums:
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established to promote balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovating and secure growth between 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The Department leads Australia’s APEC engagement on transport matters addressed in the APEC Transportation Ministers’ Meeting, which is supported by the Transportation Working Group (TPTWG).
International Transport Forum
The department leads Australia’s engagement with the International Transport Forum (ITF), which is administratively integrated into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ITF delivers transport research and policy analysis for its 69 member countries and organises an annual Summit for Transport Ministers, industry and researchers to discuss the future of transport through the focus of a strategic topic. The 2026 Summit will focus on transport resilience.
United Nations Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1) was established with the objective of preventing road accidents. WP.1 remains the only permanent body in the United Nations system that focuses on improving road safety. Its primary function is to serve as guardian of the United Nations legal instruments aimed at harmonising traffic rules.
United Nations World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations
The UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) allows the market introduction of innovative vehicle technologies, while continuously improving global vehicle safety. The framework enables decreasing environmental pollution and energy consumption, improving anti-theft capabilities, and the acceptance of vehicle systems, parts and equipment approvals.
Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Automotive Industries of Michigan and Australia
On 17 May 2023, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, to underpin ongoing partnership between Australian and Michigan automotive and transport technology sectors. This MoU replaces the 2018 MoU and will be in place until 2028.
The 2023 MoU outlines shared commitments to combatting climate change and promoting emissions reduction outcomes, improving collaboration on future transport technologies and enhancing supply chain connectivity. The MoU acknowledges the important role industry and the research sector have in driving innovation and the development of new technologies. The MoU also recognises the importance of advancing outcomes for First Nations people, including promoting greater engagement with First Nations people in the automotive sector. This MoU is general in nature and outlines commitments by participants. It is not binding under any international or domestic law and is therefore not subject to Australia's treaty-making processes.
Further Information
For any international road transport queries, please contact transport.international@infrastructure.gov.au.
For any other international engagement queries, please contact internationalengagement@infrastructure.gov.au.