Driving Safety and Reform: Carolyn Walsh on Shaping Australia’s Transport Future

“Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.” – Jeff Cooper

This week on the Railway Transportation Systems podcast, I’m joined by Carolyn Walsh, Chair of the National Transport Commission (NTC) and one of Australia’s most respected voices in transport safety and reform.

With over 40 years of experience across industry policy, regulation, and governance, Carolyn has been at the forefront of major reforms that have shaped how transport operates in Australia. From leading the establishment of the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator after the Waterfall tragedy to developing the National Rail Safety Model Bill and advising on Sydney Metro’s safety frameworks, her influence is deeply woven into our transport landscape.

Today, Carolyn is guiding the NTC through landmark achievements—most recently, securing Ministerial agreement to adopt ETCS as Australia’s national signalling and communications standard, a move widely welcomed by the rail industry.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
 🔹 Lessons in leadership from decades of regulatory reform
 🔹 Why ETCS adoption is a game-changer for Australian rail
 🔹 The challenge of achieving national consistency in transport policy
 🔹 Aligning safety, sustainability, and innovation for the future
 🔹 Carolyn’s vision for the legacy of the NTC

This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about rail safety, regulatory reform, and the future of transport in Australia.

👉 Tune in to hear how Carolyn is helping drive safety and innovation across our national transport system.