POPULAR WORDS

March 8, 2010

A long-time transport specialist has been appointed as a commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in an effort to boost safety standards.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says Carolyn Walsh will begin a three year term as the second part-time commissioner, joining Commissioner Noel Hart in looking into incidents in the aviation, marine and rail sectors.

Albanese says Walsh, who was recently the chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator, has extensive experience in transport safety, accident investigation and policy.

“This appointment underscores how just serious we are about recruiting individuals with the expertise, intellectual calibre and energy to enforce the highest of safety standards across the transport industries upon which our economy and communities depend,” Albanese says.

“While Australia has an enviable record, nothing can be taken for granted.”

Albanese says Walsh’s appointment follows the introduction of legislations establishing the ATSB as an agency with two part-time commissioners and one full-time commissioner. Martin Dolan is the chief commissioner.

“Importantly, it does not investigate for the purpose of apportioning blame or to provide a means for determining liability,” Albanese says.