The National Transport Commission (NTC), has released the first video since 2009 about Autonomous Vehicles. May 2024The video highlights that Autonomous Vehicles will be coming to Australia very soon.
Automakers – notably from companies such as Tesla – continue to put pressure on regulators, despite the fact that they are delivering autonomous solutions internationally and want to bring them to Australia.
Since 1995, the NTC has been working with regulators in Australia to create a national approach for automated vehicles (AVs). The video is a public-facing explanation of the complex legislative changes needed before AVs become a common sight in our roads.
Regular readers of techAU will know that we have been covering this issue for years and calling on faster action. We seem to be finally gaining traction.
In 2022, I covered the announcement of a regulatory framework being established for AVs. But a target date of 2026 seemed too late to me – and I was right.
We’ve covered recent developments in the US, including Tesla’s robotaxi deployments, which began in Austin, TX. Even today, the service has been expanded to San Francisco, CA, albeit with a safety-driver, while they await regulatory approval.
I contacted the NTC in Sept 2024 to ask about progress on AV laws and was again told that they were still reviewing submissions by AVSL Consultation many months later.
Here we are in July of 2025, and the NTC is finally promoting AVs on Australian roads. Personally, I hope that it’s not just Tesla who offers solutions here. There are no signs that Waymo, WeRide, or other international companies are planning to expand into Australia. Even ADAS systems such as GM Cruise, and many of the Chinese automaker’s offerings are not available. Tesla’s unique approach is reflected in
this. Their ability to scale up to new locations, i.e. Australia has a much greater advantage, since they don’t have to create infrastructure to retrofit hardware onto vehicles that are leaving the production line and they don’t have to map locations before offering services. Computer vision is used by multiple AV solutions but only as a part of the solution. For Tesla, it is the entire solution.
It’s important to remember that delays with regulatory approval could cost lives, even when the technology is ready, and has been proven to be safer than human driving. Be diligent and make sure that it is safe, but when a company comes into your office with millions of kilometers (or miles) of data, get out of the way. Let them cook, and let them expand our way of thinking about transport.
In a new video, the NTC explains that Australian road laws were designed for human drivers. They are not equipped to handle the safety and operation automated driving systems. In order to address this issue, a new national law is being developed with the help of all state and territorial governments.
To create a uniform, single framework for AVs that will allow them to operate legally and safely, no matter where they are located in the country. This harmonisation will be crucial for a smooth transition, as AVs are bound to cross state borders.
This video highlights a few key areas that will require updated laws and regulations.
Driving Laws
The current road rules assume that a human is in control. The legal responsibilities for an automated driving system will need to be defined in new laws.
Insurance schemes.
Existing Compulsory Third Party insurance schemes are based on driver fault. A new model is needed to deal with incidents involving vehicles controlled by software.
Vehicle Roadworthiness
The rules that ensure cars are roadworthy and safe will need to be updated to include the complex hardware and software that make up an automated system.
It’s great to have new content from NTC and a public push explaining the process. However, the urgency is still a major concern. The video outlines a logical, clear path to implementation, but it does not offer a revised timeline.
A spokesperson for NTC ends the video on a positive note, looking forward to an automated future.
I’m looking forward my first trip to shops in an automated shuttle. They’re already on the road around the world. Our new laws will bring them to Australia soon.”
NTC spokesperson
For further information, visit www.ntc.gov.au.
