All investigations are "no blame": this means the emphasis is on understanding causes and trends and learning to improve future transport safety.
The Chief Investigator is also independent of transport operators such as Metro Trains, V/Line, Yarra Trams and bus and shipping companies.
[1] The Chief Investigator is responsible for no blame or just culture safety oversight of the rail sector in Victoria under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.
The monitoring of recreational craft covers the investigation of a wide range of vessels including yachts, speedboats, jet skis, canoes and paddle boats.
[7] The compliance support scheme centres on provisions enabling the appointment of authorised officers and conferral of coercive powers.
The Transport Integration Act provides, for example, that the Chief Investigator "...when performing or exercising his or her functions, is independent and is not subject to the direction and control of the Minister.
"[15] Independence is supported by provisions requiring that the removal of the Director from office and can only occur with the approval of both Houses of Parliament.
For example, ATSB investigates incidents on the Defined Interstate Rail Network (DIRN) due to its national significance.
Powers over all bus incidents and all other rail and marine matters vests in the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety.