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April has been a big month for connecting with stakeholders on both sides of the country to share updates on the NRAP program and progress towards a safer, more interoperable and productive rail system.
Digital Train Control: Lessons, standards and what’s next
Our rail signalling expert, Executive Director of Rail Systems & Operations Reform, Stephen Lemon was in Perth last week presenting at the Informa Australia Rail Signalling Workshop and a separate Turnouts Workshop.
The Rail Signalling Workshop explored the past, present and future of digital signalling technologies, including lessons learned from the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), European Train Control System (ETCS) and Communications-Based Train control (CBTC) around the world, along with the challenges and opportunities for Australia.
Stephen presented on the development of mandatory standards on the National Network for Interoperability (NNI) to support the rollout of ETCS.
This was followed by an in-depth panel discussion on the broader implications of introducing mandatory rail standards, including the need for supporting governance and ongoing technical management nationally.
The NTC is working with governments and industry to develop a targeted set of mandatory rail standards for digital train control technology and driver interface and the rolling stock approval processes. The Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO)will lead the development of harmonised standards that set out best-practice approaches to align: operating rules and processes, infrastructure and train componentry, and skills and training requirements.
Key issue for RSNL reform
Also in Perth, Stephen presented at the Heavy Haul Rail Conference and joined a lively panel session with ARISO CEO, Alan Fedda, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator COO, Peter Doggett and Australian Rail Track Corporation CEO, Wayne Johnson.
Panel members clarified the respective roles and responsibilities of their organisations. A key discussion point was whether productivity should form part of ONRSR’s remit, a core topic being considered as part of the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) for upcoming Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) reforms
The panel agreed that safety must remain the regulator’s primary focus, while also underscoring the importance of strong industry collaboration. The expanded role of ARISO was highlighted as critical to delivering a more unified and effective rail system, with a clear call for greater participation across both government and industry.
The discussion also discussed the concepts of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ interoperability. Hard interoperability refers to the physical ability for trains to move between networks with full performance and safety in operation. Soft interoperability is about harmonisation and benefits like consistent skill sets across the industry to assist with workforce mobility. Through NRAP hard interoperability is focussed on the major interstate freight and passenger rail corridors - the National Network for Interoperability (NNI). While soft interoperability provides options for networks nationally to share in productivity and efficiency gains.
You can read more about the NRAP program here.
Aligning the nation on digital signalling and skills
Our Chair, Carolyn Walsh, presented to a systems engineering conference, SETE 2026. Headlined “Connecting our tomorrow”, Carolyn talked about how we are reforming one of our nation’s most complex systems, Australian rail.
Earlier in the month, at an NTC Interim Configuration Control Board Technical Subcommittee workshop in Sydney, Stephen led discussions on the ARTC integrated work plan and the need for a national approach to managing ETCS fitted and unfitted trains running concurrently during the rollout of ETCS on the NNI. These conversations are critical to improving safety, efficiency and reliability across the rail system, so it was valuable to engage with colleagues face-to-face.
Meanwhile our Senior Advisor – Rail Technologies, Alexandra McGrath attended the launch of a new Graduate Diploma in Railway Signalling Engineering by the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE). This program addresses an important gap in Australia’s higher educational rail skills pipeline and will help support the next generation of signalling professionals.
Later in the week, we contributed to the IRSE - National Technical Meeting and Annual General Meeting, including a presentation from Alex on “The rail control systems workforce of the future”. As the rail sector continues to evolve, building capability and ensuring a skilled workforce will be key to meeting future demand and supporting a more productive and resilient transport system.
Engagements like these play an important role in bringing together industry, government and education providers to align on shared challenges and opportunities across the rail sector.
More time to have your say on proposed RSNL Reforms
Public consultation on a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS) setting out proposed reforms to the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) has been extended until 11 May 2026 in response to requests from stakeholders.
We encourage input from as many stakeholders as possible, as feedback is a critical part of the consultation process.
You can find details and a copy of the C-RIS here.
For more information, contact us at enquiries@ntc.gov.au
You can also watch a webinar explaining the proposed changes here.
National Network Rules project update
A working group to progress NRAP’s National Network Rules project is being established led by ARISO with support from the NTC.
The project aims to develop a common set of operating rules and practices that are recognised nationally. Right now, rail workers may need to understand up to 12 different rule books and maintain competencies for every network they work on. This includes learning different rules, terminology, hand signals and signage. Nationally recognised network rules will reduce the need for bespoke training, reducing costs and making it easier for workers to move between jobs and networks.
The working group will ensure standardised rules are feasible and practical and will set out a timeframe for implementation.
Implementation options for these harmonised rules are being considered as part of the RSNL C-RIS.
You can find out more about the National Rules project here.