The Government of Australia is set to establish an Office of Future Transport Technologies to oversee preparations for policy, regulation and infrastructure in regards to self-driving vehicles.

The government has set aside nearly A$9.7m ($6.86m) for the new office, which will work in tandem with other governments and agencies to implement transport technologies in Australia and tackle future challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said “Self-driving vehicles are on the verge of becoming commercially available and the Australian Government and industry is taking proactive steps to manage the associated challenges and opportunities within the evolving future transport landscape.

“Self-driving vehicles are on the verge of becoming commercially available and the Australian Government and industry is taking proactive steps to manage the associated challenges.”

“The Australian future transport and mobility industry is expected to generate more than A$16bn ($1.13bn) in revenue by 2025.

“While representing an emerging business opportunity for the national economy, these technologies also have great potential to reduce the A$27bn ($19.12bn) cost of road crashes in Australia each year.

“These advances can also help to reduce the significant social impacts that road deaths and injuries have on families and the wider community.”

The new office is expected to ensure driverless vehicles are safe and consider future infrastructure requirements.

Through the Office of Future Transport Technologies, the government also aims to deploy the new technologies in a safe, productive and accessible manner for Australians in both urban and regional areas.