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NTC Webinar – Mandatory standards for digital train control technology
Through NRAP, we’re coordinating the rollout of digital train control technologies across the National Network for Interoperability (NNI).
This includes developing Australia’s first mandatory rail standards to ensure the different technologies are interoperable and trains get the full safety and productivity benefits of every network they travel over.
Join us on Thursday 12 June at 2:30pm for an NTC webinar where we will introduce a discussion paper that outlines the proposed scope for these standards.
The paper draws on lessons learnt from Europe and the United Kingdom which have been addressing the challenge of getting interoperable European Train Control Systems (ETCS) across their networks for the last 20 years. It explores:
- how some European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) might be used in an Australian context
- key elements that must be specified or aligned to ensure interoperability.
The webinar will provide a high-level overview of the paper and information about how you can provide feedback.
The paper will be released after the webinar, with follow-up sessions planned to walk through the technical content in more detail.
You can register for the webinar here.
Important changes to drive rail interoperability and harmonisation
This month our CEO Michael Hopkins presented at the Rail Industry and Standards Board’s (RISSB) 2025 Rail Safety Conference in Sydney, where he outlined major changes coming to Australia’s rail sector.
Michael updated attendees on NRAP’s three-tiered approach to national rail standards including mandatory standards for digital train control technology, driver interface and rolling stock approvals. As well as harmonised priority standards in areas where greater consistency makes sense.
New governance and institutional arrangements will be needed to support this national approach to standards and drive interoperability and harmonisation nationally, Michael said. Noting that for this to happen existing industry bodies will need to step up and take on more responsibilities.
“We can’t have the status quo but we’re not going to build something enormous and bureaucratic. That’s where a potentially enhanced RISSB could play an important role.”
Michael said the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) with its existing legislative powers appropriately strengthened to drive interoperability, is also important.
You can find out more about how Australia’s rail governance is changing here.
Have your say on the updated National Network for Interoperability
The deadline for submissions on the updated National Network for Interoperability (NNI) map is fast approaching.
The NNI defines the interstate freight and passenger lines that link Australia’s major ports, regions and passenger terminals, where getting interoperability is critical to supporting our country’s economy and improving safety.
When we consulted on the map last year, industry told us that a concise, clear and easily understood definition of the NNI is critical. They also agreed that the Hunter Valley Rail Network should be included due to its strategic importance to the nation’s freight network.
We've acted on this advice and are seeking your feedback on the updated version before it goes for gazettal.
You can find a copy of the consultation paper here.
The closing date for submissions is 5pm Wednesday 4 June.
Deadline for feedback on streamlining the rolling stock approvals processes
The opportunity to have your say on the rolling stock approvals consultation paper that we released last month is also closing soon.
We're seeking feedback on potential initiatives for developing safety assurance guidance that will provide better clarity on the roles and responsibilities of rail infrastructure managers and operators in the certification and registration of rolling stock.
To have your say, visit our website here.
If you need additional time, please reach out to the team at rollingstock@ntc.gov.au.