August has been an important month for the NTC with the historic agreement by Australia’s transport and infrastructure ministers on a single digital signalling system and stronger governance for the country’s major freight and passenger corridors.
It’s a huge milestone for rail reform that ensures we won’t repeat the problem of different rail gauges in the digital age.
For those who missed our special edition newsletter, ministers have agreed on:
- European Train Control System as the future technology pathway for National Network for Interoperability (NNI)
- a new, stronger rail governance model to advance national standards and deliver greater consistency across rail technology, trains, infrastructure, skills and training
- a national pathway for streamlining rollingstock approvals.
The new governance model will see the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) recast as the new industry-led technical standards setting body. And a more proactive role for the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) following the review of the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
Further analysis of options to strengthen ONRSR’s powers around interoperability will be explored as part of the consultation regulatory impact assessment for RSNL reforms, already approved by Ministers, and out for public engagement in early 2026.
Having ETCS as the sole digital signalling technology on Australia’s busiest routes will help to lift efficiencies and safety, reduce costs, improve reliability, increase local manufacturing opportunities, make it easier for rail workers to move between jobs, and help to reduce transport emissions through better fuel efficiency.
“It really is monumental for the future of rail in Australia,” NTC Chair Carolyn Walsh said.
“This is a powerful step forward to improve rail’s competitiveness and ensure it is the transport mode of choice for both passengers and freight customers.
The NTC is now working with governments, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and industry to guide the rollout of ETCS across the NNI.
This includes working out the best order and timeline to fit ETCS technologies onto trains and tracks. As well as a cost sharing framework to support development of a future funding strategy.
Read more about the decision here.
A single rolling stock application form
By endorsing a national pathway for streamlining Australia’s many different rollingstock approval processes, Transport Ministers aim to make it easier to get more trains on our tracks.
The NTC and various states and rail infrastructure managers (RIMs) have been working on ways to remove complexities and reduce differences between network requirements.
The national pathway consolidates and coordinates all rolling stock approval reform into one plan. And ensures all initiatives are pushing towards the same long-term vision of reducing the cost of rolling stock approvals for both rail operators and infrastructure managers.
One of initiatives in this area is the development and piloting of a single application form across the NNI.
Right now, we’re working with a small group of rail infrastructure managers including Transport for NSW, UGL Regional Linx, ARTC and Arc Infrastructure, as well as rolling stock operators Qube and Pacific National, to review existing application forms for freight wagons. The purpose of the pilot is to develop and test the feasibility of a single, standardised application form to streamline the approval process. Following the pilot, the intent is to scale-up to apply nationally.
It’s a huge job but finding a simpler, more consistent approach to getting trains approved to run on our networks will save the rail industry tens of millions of dollars a year. And encourage operators to invest in new, innovative rolling stock and technologies that produce less carbon emissions.
You can find out more about our work streamlining the rolling stock approvals here.
Mandatory standards for digital train control technology on the NNI
Thank you to everyone who provided input and feedback on our discussion paper that explored the scope of mandatory standards for ETCS on the NNI.
Consultation on the paper closed in August and we received 27 submissions including valuable input from governments, freight and passenger operators, infrastructure managers, rolling stock manufacturers and technology suppliers.
With ministers approving digital train control technology as one of the first areas for mandatory standards, this was an important step in the process as we explore the key factors for achieving interoperability including technical requirements, processes and how standards will be managed over time.
We’re currently reviewing all input and we’ll provide an update shortly.
You can read more about how we are supporting the national approach to rail here.
Minister highlights NRAP’s role in rail reform
With Australia’s transport networks under pressure from population growth and increasing freight demands, Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King has expressed an urgent need for coordinated action. At the recent launch of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, Minister King, highlighted the importance of interoperability across Australia’s rail networks and noted the work being done through NRAP to reduce costs and increase productivity.
You can read her full speech here.