Carbon conundrums – decarbonisation decision making and implementation in transport 

Nick is an Associate Principal Economist specialising in developing economic, financial, and cost modelling. Holding a master’s degree in economics from the University of Melbourne, he has experience in developing transition plans in both transport and water sectors. Nick recently supported Infrastructure Victoria advising the Victorian Government on reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with public infrastructure.

With this experience, Nick understands the common constraints, issues, and benefits associated with transitioning a fleet from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to low or zero emission technologies. He is adept at navigating the trade-offs between balancing cost pressures and achieving emissions reduction targets. Nick utilises his expertise to develop economically and financially sound transition plans.

Andrew Newman was appointed Director, Policy and Strategy, Freight Victoria in August 2021 and having previously filled the role of Director Ports, Freight and Intermodal.

Andrew is well known in freight circles from his time previously as part of the Freight portfolio in the Department under its various guises.

Andrew is passionate about freight and port policy and he is excited to be part of Freight Victoria and to work with the Freight Victoria team as it delivers its role in Department of Transport, and particularly the Victorian Freight Plan, Delivering the Goods.

He has extensive policy and transport industry experience and has led engagement with the commercial ports sector on a number of complex and priority issues for Victoria including the recently completed review of the Victorian Ports Sector and progressing delivery of the Port Rail Shuttle Network.

Before his current role, Andrew was the Director, Policy and Integrated Planning for two years where he led the policy function within the Office of Suburban Development. Before that he was a Transport and Public Policy Principal at consulting firm Jacobs for close to two years where he led urban planning and transportation planning functions.

Andrew has also held senior executive roles in transport network planning and the previous freight logistics and marine in the Victorian Government.
Andrew holds a Masters of Public Policy and Management from the University of Melbourne as well as Degrees in Arts and Commerce.

Michelle is a senior transport executive with broad and diverse experience across management, strategy, service delivery, communications, and policy development. She is currently the Executive Director of Future Mobility at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. In this role Michelle oversees the transport and customer strategy, research and innovation functions of the Department, leadings teams at the forefront of responding to mobility trends and emerging technologies.

Previously Michelle was the CEO of the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ), where she advocated for best practice public transport and sustainable mobility solutions for the region, focusing on issues related to customer experience, liveability, and sustainability of communities. She has previously held senior roles at VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria. Before transport, Michelle worked across the Victorian Public Service and is a qualified lawyer.

Michelle’s passion is supporting women in transport and women in STEM. She is the host of the Women Who Move Nations podcast produced by PTAANZ, is a member of the Federal Government’s National CEO Advisory Council for Women in Transport, initiated DTP’s ITGirls+ women in tech network and established the national Women in Mobility network which brings together senior female leaders from the public and private sectors. Michelle was recently awarded the Victorian Public Sector Network’s Ada Lovelace Award for ‘STEM-sational Mentor’ in recognition of her commitment to mentoring and supporting other women in STEM.