Our Role, Responsibilities and Services
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting the Government to promote, evaluate, plan and invest in infrastructure; foster an efficient, sustainable, competitive, safe and secure transport system; and assist regions and local government to develop and manage their futures.
The Secretary to the Department is Mr Michael Taylor
Download our Organisation Chart to view the organisational structure of the Department.
Our Role
The Department provides policy advice to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and delivers a variety of programs on behalf of the Australian Government.
The Department conducts research, analysis and safety investigations; provides safety information and advice based upon these investigations; and performs regulatory functions. We have a strong policy development role, together with program administration and service delivery responsibilities. We endeavour to involve key stakeholders, clients and customers in all stages of our work.
Our responsibilities
The Department is responsible for:
- infrastructure planning and coordination
- transport safety, including investigations
- land transport
- civil aviation and airports
- transport security
- delivery of regional and rural specific services
- maritime transport including shipping
- regional development
- matters relating to local government
- major projects facilitation
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to promote economic, social and regional development by enhancing Australia's infrastructure performance.
We have a key policy role in:
- promoting the integration of transport and regional development
- promoting safe and secure transport solutions
- providing a framework for competition between and within transport modes
- promoting a transport system that is accessible, sustainable and environmentally responsible
- providing funding for transport infrastructure
- aligning conditions and standards in the territories with those of comparable communities in the rest of Australia
- providing policy advice on whole of government strategies to maximise the potential of Australia's regions
- ensuring information about relevant Government policies and programs is disseminated effectively to regional Australia
- promoting efficient and effective local government which fosters a strong sense of community
Services we provide
We provide a range of permits, approvals and direct services, including:
- approval to import motor vehicles
- motor vehicle compliance plate approvals
- Sydney Airport noise amelioration
- airport curfew dispensation approvals (Sydney, Adelaide)
- approval for non-Chapter 3 aircraft to operate in Australia
- approval of airline and airport security programs
- approval for certain activities and developments on airports subject to the Airports Act 1996
- international aviation timetable and charter flight approvals
- permits and licences relating to international air services
The Organisation
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government is a dynamic, high-performing organisation achieved through cooperation, a shared vision, transparent information exchange, appropriate sharing of responsibility, and accountability.
Our People
An organisation is only as good as the people who work for it.
The Department has been accredited with the international standard of Investor in People for achieving outstanding performance through, and for, its people.
We value our people, their abilities and diversity.
Client Service Charter
Client Service CharterThe Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government is committed to providing a high level of service including treating clients fairly, courteously and professionally, and providing timely and accurate advice and information.
Working for the Department
Social Justice and Equity
The Department fosters ongoing development of partnerships and cooperation with stakeholders, communities, other Commonwealth agencies, and state, territory and local governments to achieve equitable access to services and diverse community input to policy development.