I was very pleased with the exposure that SMEC received during the conference and benefit that SMEC enjoyed in being able to be a part of the conference and also the opportunity to network with many delegates from the mining and infrastructure sectors.
Neville Peters
Regional Manager SA
SMEC
Jim Betts
Secretary, Department of Transport - Victoria
Jim Betts took up his position as Secretary of the Victorian Government’s newly formed Department of Transport on 14 May 2008. The Department has a staff of about 1800 people and, alongside VicRoads, is responsible for public transport, roads and ports throughout Victoria. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Jim had served as Director of Public Transport overseeing train, tram, bus and taxi operations throughout Victoria.
Jim has extensive experience in commercial and policy development, particularly in public transport, with both the Victorian and UK governments.
Jim graduated from Oxford in 1987 with a BA in modern history and then from Imperial College, London University in 1988 with a management science degree. He worked with the UK Government in roles such as Assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport and Policy Adviser in the Railways Directorate.
Arriving in Victoria in 1998, Jim undertook the role of Director, Transport Reform in the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).
In June 2000, Jim undertook the role of Assistant Director in the Project Development and Commercial Division of DTF where he was a senior advisor to Government on major rail projects including Regional Fast Rail and the Southern Cross Station redevelopment.
In 2003, as Deputy Director of Public Transport, Jim led the negotiation of new franchise agreements with Connex and Yarra Trams and the creation of Metlink.
Jim supports St Kilda football club, but privately admits they are rubbish. He lives in Richmond and has been married to Joanne since 1997.
