On 8 May 2025, during the NTRO International Technical Conference in Melbourne, Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of the International Road Federation (IRF), presented a commemorative plaque to Michael Caltabiano, CEO of the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), acknowledging two decades of active membership and collaboration. Since joining the IRF in 2005, NTRO—formerly known as the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB)—has consistently contributed to global transport innovation.  

The partnership has facilitated knowledge exchange, and the development of practical solutions aimed at enhancing road safety and sustainability worldwide. A significant milestone in this collaboration is the joint initiative launched in October 2024 to deliver training and accreditation for road safety auditors in Australia and New Zealand. 

Supported by TotalEnergies, this programme enables NTRO-trained professionals to gain international accreditation and be listed in the IRF International Registry of Road Safety Auditors. The registry establishes clear, internationally recognised certification standards, ensuring consistency and quality in road safety audits globally. The partnership’s roots trace back to 2010 when IRF and ARRB co-hosted a five-day Road Safety Auditor training course in New Delhi.  

This programme focused on safety engineering and aimed to build capacity among road safety professionals in the region. Further strengthening the collaboration, Michael Caltabiano was elected to the IRF Board of Directors in 2020, and most recently, also elected to the IRF Executive Committee as IRF Vice-President. His appointments haves facilitated deeper engagement between the organisations, promoting the exchange of innovative practices and accelerating the implementation of advanced road technologies in Australia and beyond.  

Reflecting on the enduring partnership, Michael Caltabiano stated: “NTRO is a proud IRF member, sharing Australia’s knowledge and learning from the rest of the world as we develop better, safer, more sustainable roads. […] We look forward to continuing on our journey together.” 

This recognition underscores the value of sustained collaboration in advancing global road safety and transport infrastructure.  Membership with the IRF offers access to a wealth of resources, collaborative initiatives, and a platform to influence global transport policies. For more information, visit the IRF Membership page.