Behind the Wheel: Stories from ANZ Transport Leaders featuring Josh Murray

From career journeys and leadership insights to personal reflections and bold ideas—directly from the voices shaping the future of mobility. UITP Australia and New Zealand launched Behind the Wheel, a spotlight interview series featuring leading voices from the ANZ public transport sector. Nicholas Yap kicked off the series, sharing his insights and inspiration.

Transport is more than movement, it’s about impact. In this edition, meet Josh Murray, New South Wales Secretary of Transport, whose work spans every mode and mission, linking policy with purpose to reshape mobility across the nation.

I first worked in the public transport arena 20 years ago and realised it’s so much more than just moving people — it’s about connecting lives, creating access, and shaping communities. In the intervening period I was lucky enough to see big transport infrastructure projects go from concept to commissioning in multiple countries as an executive in the engineering and construction sector.

The opportunity to come back to transport in NSW appealed because you’re at the very pointy end of public service in this state, where you can have a direct and positive impact on equity, sustainability, and daily life. Leading Transport also means you have a responsibility to lean-in to other government services, and stay connected to the big picture. 

I’ve lived interstate and overseas but you’d expect me to say Sydney, and I will. Not just for the beauty of its natural environment and its inspiring stories, but because it’s a city that has high expectations, and constantly challenges us to do more. That’s especially true in public transport. Sydney reminds me that modern cities excite their citizens when they produce services that are inclusive, resilient, ready for the future and enjoyable to use. 

Connection. I’m fortunate our portfolio spans every aspect of road, rail, buses, light rail, ferries, taxis and ride share, to active precincts, e-mobility, freight and maritime – all the way to disaster recovery, national productivity reform and Net Zero enablers. And  so many other daily demands. I try to absorb as much detail as I can from every team I meet, to connect the dots, accelerate our progress, be accountable to the public, and better represent our employees and the work they do.

Knowing that our work lays the tracks, sometimes literally for future generations. Previously, I’ve stood in excavation caverns under Hong Kong or London and imagined my children being able to travel on the infrastructure that will be delivered above. Now, when I see students flooding onto Sydney Metro, families trying out new services to visit the city on a weekend because its easy and cost-effective, or crowds flocking home safely at night on trains from a major entertainment event – that fuels me. 

I’d hope that people say I cared about the work, the people and our purpose in providing better services. That I stayed calm in the chaos and made life simpler for those around me. 

Success is when the people you lead grow into confident, capable change-makers. If my team is making a difference, feel listened to and supported while also being stretched, and are able to have a laugh or a vent along the way, then I feel successful.