Autonomous motoring hearings commence

Self-driving cars in one form or another are inevitable – even in Australia.

And for once, a government department is more or less on the front foot, considering all the implications of handing over the task of driving to a connected cybernetic system.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, which is the gatekeeper for Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and vehicle homologation, is addressing the inquiry into autonomous vehicles conducted by the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation Science and Resources.

Among the related subjects discussed during the presentation were broader safety issues, privacy & security considerations, regulatory framework, labour issues for the commercial fleets (taxi and courier companies, for instance), rural residents' accessibility and outcomes for disability groups and the aged.

Highlighting just how complex this basket of new technologies will likely be, the privacy and security considerations have been referred to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and – dragged out of the shadowy world of signals intelligence – the Australian Signals Directorate. Maintaining the security of autonomous driving software and hardware will be imperative in a future when an entire city's traffic flow could be thrown into complete confusion by unscrupulous hackers.

"Testing of driverless vehicles has begun here in Australia and in many other countries around the world," says Committee Chair, Michelle Landry MP.

"It is time to consider not just the technological developments but importantly the social issues that will impact all Australians in the near future. Driverless vehicles have the potential to significantly improve road safety, environment outcomes, and productivity of the economy while also assisting people with mobility issues."

A podcast of the address can be accessed via the web. Scroll down to House of Representatives, Parliamentary Standing Committee, Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources (Driverless vehicles) for the full address.