May 2025
Seamus Christley
Managing Director | SCT Consulting | NSW
"I involve myself with AITPM because I believe in connecting with members and people interested in what the AITPM stands for. I find we’re all interested in helping move society forward, through the lens of transport."
Tell us a little about yourself and your background
My name is Seamus Christley and I’m the Managing Director of SCT Consulting. I’m also Chairperson for our not-for profit investment fund, The SCT Initiative, which seeks to reduce/mitigate the impacts of human-induced climate change.
I’ve been working in the world of transport advisory for around 20 years, spending my time in both the public and private sectors along the way. Ultimately, I’m motivated by working with people who have a high care factor for others, enjoy having a laugh or two, and solving problems that are all things transport.
What is your current involvement with AITPM?
I’m currently a member of AITPM, as well as supporting AITPM through SCT Consulting’s role as one of the NSW state branch sponsors.
How has your involvement as a member/volunteer grown with AITPM?
I’ll be honest I can’t really remember when I joined AITPM… sorry! A long time ago… Over the years, though my involvement has certainly increased, initially through event attendance, to conference speaking roles and supporting AITPM through various sponsorship means. I’m not formally on the AITPM committee, although I have been doing some work in the background, providing input as the AITPM crafts a new strategy to guide its development through to 2028.
What motivates you to volunteer or involve yourself with AITPM? How has your involvement with AITPM benefited you personally and professionally?
I involve myself with AITPM because I believe in connecting with members and people interested in what the AITPM stands for. I find we’re all interested in helping move society forward through the lens of transport. It’s a small industry at the end of the day, so getting to know those involved is important. There’s also the opportunity to learn from others.
What has been a memorable experience from your time with AITPM? And why was it so memorable?
The standout moment for me would be back in 2019 when I presented at the annual AITPM National Conference. It was the first time I’d ever spoken at a conference and the topic was about Station Link, a large-scale transport planning project centred on the delivery of Sydney Metro Northwest. The project itself was 7 years in the making. Many great memories from that conference in Adelaide.
What value has your employer gained from your engagement with AITPM? (if any)
I think we all benefit greatly from the technical learning sessions and networking opportunities. Being able to bring these experiences back into a workplace provides professional teams with strong development opportunities.
What would you say to transport professionals considering getting involved with AITPM? Do you have any words of wisdom for Emerging Professionals starting out in the industry?
The advice I would offer to people is don’t do what I did in the early years of my career… That being to hang back from getting involved in AITPM industry events. It’s always great to catch up with an old colleague, meet someone new and learn from other’s experiences.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your AITPM journey? Or your journey within the transport industry?
A quote I’m fond of, which resulted in the founding of The SCT Initiative, comes from The Lorax (Dr Seuss). ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not’. I like to think of that as a way to represent what we do in the world of transport. It also links nicely to our personal lives outside of the work environment too.