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Industry input sought on landmark rail law reforms
Around 150 representatives from governments, unions and the rail industry joined our webinar in February to learn more about proposed changes to Australia’s Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) and how they can have their say in the development of this landmark reform.
The proposed reforms, set out in a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS), include 12 legislative changes recommended in the 2024 RSNL review. These are designed to embed interoperability and greater transparency into the law.
The aim is to:
- better align safety and productivity
- promote innovation and interoperability
- improve transparency and accountability
- address national barriers in areas such as technology approvals and skills.
- The C-RIS presents three options to achieve these goals, using a mix of legislative and non-legislative measures.
The webinar stepped through the proposals and the different approaches, highlighting the important link between interoperability and safety and the need for meaningful consultation and greater information sharing across networks.
Both the RSNL Review and the C-RIS have been shaped by extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders. A formal 12-week public consultation period on the proposed legislative reform is now underway.
We encourage all stakeholders to provide feedback and share relevant data and evidence or additional information sources to help inform recommendations to infrastructure and transport ministers.
The reforms support the delivery of broader national rail reforms being progressed through the National Rail Action Plan.
You can access the C-RIS and make a submission here.
For more information contact us at enquiries@ntc.gov.au
To find out more about the National Rail Action Plan visit the NTC website.
New requirement to consider interoperability
While legislative reforms are underway, changes to the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) regulations have come into effect following a transition period from 1 November 2025 to 28 February.
These changes require all rail transport operators on major interstate freight and passenger lines to have systems and procedures in place that consider interoperability issues. And to apply them when making changes to operations on the National Network of Interoperability.
If interoperability issues are identified, an Interoperability Management Plan must be prepared.
ONRSR has an Interoperability of Railway Operations Guideline on its website to help transport operators comply with the changes.
Building a more harmonised, consistent national rail system
The proposed changes to Rail Safety National Law are critical to support the work we’re doing through NRAP to lift interoperability and consistency across Australia’s rail system. The ultimate goal being to build a safer, more efficient and competitive national railway.
An important element of the plan is our work with industry to establish more consistent rules and ways of working across networks, including a long-term plan to streamline the rolling stock approvals process.
To learn more about this work watch our video.
Or visit our website here