The transport industry has paid tribute to Nick Dimopoulos, 56, the Chief Executive of the National Transport Commission who passed away on February 8.
Before heading the NTC in 2006 Nick’s professional career spanned industries such as mining, logistics, finance, infrastructure and transport.
He held senior positions in both the public and private sectors.
Nick also headed up the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and worked in the Victorian Treasury and on World Bank infrastructure projects in China.
He is recognised for the major contribution to the work of the Commission since his appointment in 2006 and the establishment of the national transport regulators.
The Chairman of the ATA, David Simon, said that Nick had been a brave champion of transport reform.
“Under Nick’s leadership, the NTC developed reforms that will be vital to the future of Australian transport, including the legislation for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” David said.
“Nick’s legacy will be safer and more efficient roads, railways and shipping. His family and friends can be proud of the work he did.
“Nick was not daunted by his illness. He continued to work in his demanding position even as it got worse. It was a display of bravery and grit that none of us who knew him will ever forget,” he said.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese made a heartfelt Motion of Indulgence in parliament recognising Nick’s work.
“The Commission plays a leading role in driving national transport regulatory reforms, and Nick’s leadership and guidance will be missed by Ministers and officials from across the Commonwealth, states and territories,” he said.
“In the past three years Nick and the Commission have worked very hard to implement the historic national regulator reforms, which will provide Australia for the first time with a seamless national transport regulatory system.
“Nick Dimopoulos was committed to improving Australian transport safety and productivity.”
The Commission’s staff and Commissioners paid tribute to Nick.
“The Commissioners and staff of the National Transport Commission (NTC)
wish to remember our Chief Executive, Nick Dimopoulos who passed away on
8 February 2013,” it said in a statement.
“We honour Nick’s tremendous contribution to our organisation and the Australian transport industry.
“Nick was a visionary, a tireless champion for transport reform and a proud family man who treasured his three children and wife Stephanie.
“We will miss Nick’s leadership, collegiality, fierce intellect and mischievous sense of humour. Nick’s positive influence on the NTC and the wider transport industry will be felt for years to come.”
In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family have requested donations to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
George Konstandakos will continue in the interim as the Acting Chief Executive of the NTC.
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