AUSTRALIAN Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Greg Hood says he takes “great pride” in how this government body has developed in 20 years.

The ATSB was formed on 1 July 1999, with the amalgamation of several offices. These included the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the Marine Accident Investigation Unit, non-regulatory elements of the Federal Office of Road Safety.

A new rail safety investigation capability also was established.

The bureau’s remit was to do independent “no blame” investigations into accidents and incidents to prevent future accidents, and to conduct transport safety research, data analysis and education.

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“The ATSB is renowned internationally for its independence, technical capabilities and quality of its transport safety investigations across the aviation, rail and marine modes of transport,” Mr Hood said.

“I take pride in the ATSB’s world-class technical and research capabilities, but most importantly, I take great pride in the qualities and capabilities of our people.”

The ATSB marked its 20th anniversary with a small function at its Canberra office on 1 July.

“The ATSB is well prepared for the changing face of transport, and looks forward to contributing to further improvements in transport safety over the next 20 years,” Mr Hood said.